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A BRIEF  HISTORICAL  REVIEW 

of  the 

Archdiocese  of 
Boston 

1907-1923 


THE  PILOT  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 

J09  WASHINGTON  STREET 
BOSTON,  MASS. 

1925 


COPYRIGHT,  1925 
THE  PILOT  PUBIJSHING  CO. 


213482 


PRINTED  IN  U.  S.  A. 

By  THE  PILOT  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 


Foreword 


It  is  now  eighteen  years  since  by  God’s  grace  we 
joined  hearts  and  hands  in  co-operation,  determined  to 
give  of  our  best  for  the  renovation  of  spirit  and  the  moral 
and  material  upbuilding  of  our  great  Archdiocese. 

Our  spirit  of  united  effort  has  been  most  abundantly 
blessed.  We  have  all  worked,  and  worked  hard,  for  the 
results  which  are  now  patent  to  all  eyes.  Debts  which 
had  accumulated  for  years,  until  their  payment  grew  to 
be  almost  hopeless,  have  been  cancelled  completely. 

The  institutions  of  the  Archdiocese  are  models  of  effi- 
cient management  and  the  best  business  methods.  This 
alone  required  years  of  unremitting  vigilance  and 
patience  and  work;  for  in  1907  they  were  the  negation 
of  both. 

Our  Seminary  is  a model  Seminary;  and  it  is  con- 
ducted by  our  own  priests,  in  a way  that  serves  to  illus- 
trate the  wisdom  of  the  Church  in  entrusting  the  train- 
ing of  the  clerics  of  the  Diocese  to  those,  who,  being  of 
the  family,  feel  a family  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the 
whole  Diocese,  and  not  in  a coterie  of  favorites,  with 
their  chief  preoccupation  elsewhere.  Now  the  true  Ca- 
tholic Doctrine  is  being  taught  to  those,  whose  life  duty 
will  be  to  impart  it  to  the  faithful. 

Rome  is  the  centre  of  all  that  concerns  doctrine,  tra- 
dition, law  and  discipline.  The  spirit  of  the  Seminary 
is,  and  will  be,  maintained  in  that  spirit  of  loyalty,  undi- 
vided by  the  specious  claims  of  other  self-constituted 

[iii] 


FOREWORD 


centres,  whose  influence  has  always  tended  toward  petti- 
ness and  division.  That  now  is  secured  for  the  Semin- 
ary of  this  Archdiocese  for  all  time. 

Those  who  now  teach  know  the  true  doctrine,  and 
the  spiritual  direction  of  the  seminarians  is  now  in  the 
capable  and  experienced  hands  of  a religious,  whose 
whole  life  has  been  the  study  and  application  of  the  lives 
and  doings  of  saintly  priests.  So,  at  last,  the  Seminary 
is  secure. 

Materially,  the  grounds  and  the  buildings  have  been 
enlarged  and  beautified,  until  today  no  Seminary  any- 
where has  better  accommodations  or  more  healthful  sur- 
roundings and  atmosphere. 

The  number  of  churches,  schools,  parish  houses  and 
parish  halls  has  increased  with  a rapidity  almost  incredi- 
ble. And  the  wonder  is  that  with  the  speed  of  accom- 
plishment has  kept  pace  the  excellence  of  the  work. 

After  eighteen  years  of  incessant  hard  work,  we  still 
are  neither  fatigued  nor  self-complacent.  We  are  still 
only  eager  to  go  on  to  further  development  and  finer 
accomplishment. 

The  Archdiocese  is  still  growing.  We  cannot  yet  rest 
satisfied  completely,  though  we  thank  God  for  what  His 
aid  in  every  difficulty  has  enabled  us  to  perform. 

A good  artist,  when  he  has  drawn  his  perspective  and 
laid  the  background  of  his  picture,  drops  for  a moment 
his  palette  and  brush,  and  stands  back  at  some  distance 
to  survey  his  canvas.  That  will  not  only  rest  his  eye 
but  refresh  his  vision. 

This  book  represents  just  that.  We  are  taking  a 
momentary  survey,  only  to  get  a true  perspective  j cer- 
tainly not  to  feed  our  vanity. 

[iv] 


FOREWORD 


Great  work  has  undoubtedly  been  done  by  the  ear- 
nest and  whole  hearted  co-operation  of  all.  But  still 
the  work  must  go  on,  and  we  shall  all  be  heartened  to 
do  it  better  and  feel  more  keenly  the  joy  of  work,  by 
withdrawing  for  a moment  from  toil,  and  taking  a glance 
at  what,  with  God’s  help,  we  have  already  done.  That 
is  the  purpose  of  this  book.  It  is  well  worth  reading. 

William  Cardinal  O’Connell, 

Archbishop  of  Boston. 


[v] 


CONTENTS 


FOREWORD iii 

DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 1 


Institutional  Works.  Non-Institutional  Works — The 
Diocesan  Bureau — St.  Vincent  De  Paul  Society — Co-oper- 
ating Societies.  Educational  Work.  Efforts  for  the  Pub- 
lic Welfare.  Splendid  Spirit  of  Loyalty  and  Devotion. 

DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 23 

Growth  Through  Establishment  of  New  Schools. 
Growth  Through  Construction  of  New  Buildings.  Growth 
of  Catholic  Colleges.  Growth  Through  Increase  in  En- 
rollment. Growth  Through  Increase  in  Numbers  of 
Teachers.  The  Development  of  Catholic  Education.  The 
Supervision  of  Schools — Organization  of  The  Curriculum 
— Uniform  Tests.  Teachers’  Institutes.  Extension 
Courses  for  Religious  Teachers.  Teachers’  Visiting  Day. 
Summer  Schools.  Course  at  Diocesan  Seminary.  Health 
Education.  The  Holy  Childhood  Association.  Conclusion. 

DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 79 

Visit  I — Lowell  and  Vicinity.  Visit  II — Lawrence,  Hav- 
erhill, Amesbury.  Visit  III — Lynn,  Salem,  Gloucester. 
Visit  IV — Fellsway  and  Adjoining  Cities.  Visit  V — 
Brockton  and  Plymouth.  Visit  VI — Natick,  Holliston, 
Franklin,  Dedham,  Norwood.  Visit  VII — Wayland,  Fram- 
ingham, Marlboro.  Visit  VIII — Cambridge.  Visit  IX — 
Boston,  South  Boston,  Dorchester.  Visit  X — Boston 
Proper.  Summary. 

A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 175 

Mass  and  the  Sacraments.  Church  Societies.  Parish 
Schools  and  Sunday  Schools.  Holy  Hour — Novenas — 
Triduums — Retreats.  Missions.  Houses  of  Retreat. 
Convents.  Cardinal’s  Pronouncements.  Catholic  Truth 
Guild  and  Common  Cause  Forum.  Vocations.  St.  John’s 
Seminary. 


[vii] 


CONTENTS 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 205 

Banner  Branches.  The  Academia.  Vocations.  Na- 
tive Priests  and  Sisters.  Mission  Chapels.  The  Pilot. 
Holy  Childhood.  Complete  Survey. 

THE  DIOCESAN  PRESS 227 

The  Pilot’s  Objective.  The  Pilot  a Religious  Influence. 

The  Pilot  a Patriotic  and  Civic  Influence.  Material 
Growth  of  The  Pilot.  Brief  of  Pope  Pius  X. 


[ viii  ] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


/ 


A Brief  Account  of  the  Regime  of  His 
Eminence,  Cardinal  O^Connell,  in  the 
Field  of  Charitable  and  Social  Work 


BY  Rev.  M.  J.  Scanlan,  I.  P.  P. 

Any  worthwhile  statement  of  the  extent  and  pro- 
gress of  charitable  and  social  work  in  the  Diocese  of 
Boston,  during  the  regime  of  His  Eminence,  Cardinal 
O’Connell,  must  necessarily  include  some  account,  how- 
ever brief  under  present  circumstances,  of  conditions 
as  they  were  in  this  particular  field  upon  His  Emin- 
ence’s accession  to  office. 

In  the  fall  of  1907,  or  shortly  after  the  death  of  Arch- 
bishop Williams,  steps  were  taken  to  discover  the  exact 
status  of  the  charitable  institutions  and  agencies  within 
the  Diocese.  This  inquiry  took  the  form  of  a survey, 
covering  the  administrative  and  economic  features  of 
each  diocesan  institution  and  agency  known  to  be  doing 
charitable  work  under  Catholic  auspices. 

The  survey  was  made  in  part  by  Archbishop  O’Connell 
himself,  and  in  part  by  others  acting  as  his  representa- 
tives. The  method  followed  in  this  matter  invariably 
included  conferences  with  trustees  and  superiors  of  in- 
stitutions, an  examination  of  annual  reports,  and  a care- 
ful analysis  of  the  financial  condition  of  each  institution. 

Briefly  stated,  the  survey,  requiring,  as  it  did,  not 
less  than  a year  to  make,  revealed  an  urgent  need  of 

[3] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


certain  readjustments  and  administrative  changes  affect- 
ing both  personnel  and  methods.  It  was  decided  that 
these  changes  would  be  brought  about  best  by  the  fol- 
lowing means: 

1st—  The  adoption  by  all  of  the  institutions  of  a rea- 
sonably uniform  standard  of  auditing  accounts: 

2d—  The  reduction,  as  soon  as  possible  in  a number 
of  cases,  of  long-standing  indebtedness: 

3d—  A more  responsible  attitude  of  trustees  towards 
their  respective  tasks: 

4th—  The  rehabilitation  of  existing  buildings  to  meet 
the  requirements  of  health  and  safety: 

5th—  The  prevention  or  elimination  of  needless  dupli- 
cation of  effort  as  well  as  of  expense  in  the  conduct  of 
institutions  : 

6th—  Regular  and  full  reports  to  the  Archbishop, 
from  time  to  time,  of  accomplishments  and  plans  of 
all  charitable  works  within  his  jurisdiction. 

These  were  no  arbitrary  generalizations  promulgated 
without  reason,  but  rather  necessary  and  urgent  deduc- 
tions which  no  Bishop  could  well  avoid  making  in  view 
of  the  findings. 

The  conditions  which  required  readjustment  were 
obviously  due,  in  a large  measure,  to  a lack  of  careful, 
diocesan  supervision.  This  failure  to  supervise  was 
doubtless  inevitable,  where  the  preoccupations  of  ad- 
vanced old  age  had  for  some  years  greatly  diminished 
the  lately  deceased  Archbishop’s  capacity  for  active 
service. 

What  is  offered  is  simply  a plain  statement  of  indis- 
putable facts,  a knowledge  of  which  is  a necessary 

[4] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


prerequisite  for  any  intelligible  account  of  what  has 
been  accomplished  during  the  past  sixteen  years  along 
charitable  lines  in  the  Diocese  of  Boston. 

It  is  a matter  of  record  that  few  of  the  charitable 
institutions  of  the  Diocese  had  made  any  appreciable 
progress,  either  in  the  extension  of  their  work  or  in 
material  construction,  for  ten  years  prior  to  the  death 
of  the  late  Archbishop,  while  the  indebtedness  of  one 
institution,  at  least,  had  become  very  great. 

Given  these  conditions,  the  first  work  was  that  of 
readjustment  as  applied  to  the  administrative  and 
economic  features  of  the  institutions.  Accordingly,  for 
some  two  years  or  more,  a silent  but  definite  revamping 
of  the  charities  of  the  Diocese  went  on. 

Such  work  to  be  effective  had  to  be  done  quietly  and 
with  as  little  irritation  as  possible.  To  the  unthinking, 
who  are  impressed  mostly  by  the  spectacular,  studying 
a situation  for  the  purpose  of  mastering  its  philosophy 
as  well  as  its  solution  seems  like  lost  time.  It  is  thought- 
lessly referred  to  at  times  as  indicating  a lack  of  enter- 
prise or  interest.  The  wisdom  of  such  a proceeding 
escapes  some  people,  until  at  a later  day  they  are  forced 
to  acknowledge  the  error  of  their  early  impressions. 

Conventionally,  most  people  familiar  with  works  of 
benevolence  and  beneficence  divide  them  into  two  cat- 
egories: Institutional  and  Non-institutional.  Under 
these  two  headings,  we  shall  set  forth  briefly  the  actual 
story  of  accomplishment  along  charitable  and  social 
welfare  lines  during  the  past  sixteen  years  in  the  Di- 
ocese of  Boston. 


[5] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


Institutional  Works 

Even  at  the  risk  of  appearing  to  stress  unduly  the 
obvious,  it  may  be  said  that  any  Diocese  that  provides, 
among  other  things,  for  the  needs  of  helpless  infants 
and  indigent  or  wayward  mothers ; for  homeless  children 
beyond  infancy;  for  wayward  juveniles;  for  the  com- 
fort and  protection  of  wage-earning  women,  young  and 
old,  who  are  without  homes ; for  the  aged  of  both  sexes, 
whether  without  means  of  subsistence  or  with  enough 
to  support  themselves  wholly  or  in  part;  for  the  sick 
of  all  ages  and  of  both  sexes ; for  the  victims  of  incur- 
able and  chronic  diseases ; any  Diocese,  we  say,  that 
provides  at  least  for  all  these  diverse  needs,  when 
judged  by  the  best  standards  of  traditional  Catholic 
charitable  effort,  as  well  as  by  the  most  progressive 
features  of  modern  social  welfare,  may  rightly  be  con- 
sidered to  be  meeting  in  a most  commendable  way  its 
obligations  to  the  poor  and  dependent. 

Now,  the  Diocese  of  Boston  has  at  the  present  time 
institutions  to  provide  for  each  of  the  above  named 
classes  of  dependents,  and  to  provide  for  them  with  a 
comfort  and  with  an  adequacy  equalled  by  no  other 
Diocese  of  the  United  States.  In  support  of  this  state- 
ment, it  is  enough  to  analyze  the  reports  of  the  institu- 
tional charities  of  the  dioceses  of  this  country  as  set 
forth  in  the  National  Directory  of  Catholic  Charities, 
published  by  the  National  Conference  of  Catholic 
Charities,  as  well  as  by  the  statistical  sections  of  the 
Clerical  Directory  of  1923,  dealing  with  the  same  matter. 

[6] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


Institutions  Classified 

Specifically,  there  are  in  the  Diocese  of  Boston  today, 
with  its  approximate  population  of  one  million  souls, 
.fifty-three  institutions  devoted  to  charitable  work. 
Categorically  listed,  they  are  as  follows: 

Institutions  for  the  Care  of  Dependent  Mothers 

With  Infants 
St.  Mary’s  Infant  Asylum 

Catholic  Charitable  Bureau  (Infant  Department  with 
hospital  affiliations) 

Day  Nurseries  for  the  Daily  Care  of 
Working  Women’s  Children 
St.  Elizabeth’s— Boston 
Columbus  Day— South  Boston 
Columbus  Day— Cambridge 
Columbus  Day — Salem 

Institutions  for  the  Care  of  Orphans 
Home  for  Destitute  Children— Boston 
St.  Vincent’s  Orphanage— Boston 
St.  Francis— Boston 
Italian  Orphanage— Boston 
Protectory  of  Mary  Immaculate— Lawrence 
St.  Peter’s  Orphanage— Lowell 
French  Orphanage— Lowell 
Home  for  Destitute  Children— Newburyport 
Working  Boys’  Home— Newton 
French  Orphanage  (under  way) —Lawrence 

[7] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


Industrial  Schools  for  Juveniles 
Randolph  School  for  Deaf  and  Dumb 
St.  Joseph’s— Boston 
House  of  the  Angel  Guardian— Boston 
Daly  Industrial— Boston 

School  for  Orphan  Boys  not  Entirely  Dependent 
St.  Dominic’s  Academy— Waverly 

Institutions  for  Wage  Earners 
St.  Helena’s— Boston 
St.  Clement’s— Boston 
St.  Joseph’s— Boston,  West  End 
St.  James’— Haverhill 
St.  Clare’s— Lawrence 
St.  Patrick’s — Lowell 
St.  Theresa’s— Lynn 

Protectory  for  Wayward  Girls 
House  of  the  Good  Shepherd — Boston 

Institutions  for  the  Homeless  Aged  of  Both  Sexes 
Little  Sisters  of  the  Poor— Roxbury 
Little  Sisters  of  the  Poor— Somerville 
St.  Joseph’s,  East  Brookline  St.— Boston 
St.  Francis— Roxbury 

Protectory  of  Mary  Immaculate— Lawrence 
Immaculate  Conception— Newburyport 

Institutions  for  the  Care  and  Cure  of  the  Sick 

St.  Elizabeth’s  Hospital— Boston 

Carney  Hospital— Boston 

St.  Margaret’s  Hospital— Boston 

St.  John’s  Hospital — Lowell 

[8] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


Holy  Ghost  (for  incurables)— Cambridge 
Archbishop  William’s  Convalescent  Home— Fram- 
ingham 

Institutions  Non-Parochial  for  Improvement  of 
Social  Conditions 

Ladies’  Catholic  Club  Neighborhood  House— Boston 
North  End  Neighborhood  House— Boston 
West  End  Neighborhood  House— Boston 

Social  Centers 

League  of  Catholic  Women’s  House— Boston 
League  of  Catholic  Women’s  House— Lawrence 
League  of  Catholic  W’omen’s  House — Lowell 

Institutions  for  Recreation  and  Vacation 
Vacation  House  for  Sickly  Children— Hull 
Marshfield  Camps  for  Boys— Green  Harbor 
Bethany  Camp  for  Girls — Framingham 
St.  Augustine’s  Camp  for  Boys— Plymouth 
Immaculate  Conception  Camp  for  Boys— Lynnfield 
Vacation  House  for  Girls— Hull 
The  above  table  of  statistics  setting  forth  the  names, 
location,  and  character  of  service  of  charitable  institu- 
tions in  the  Diocese  of  Boston  reveals  the  following 
very  interesting  facts: 

1st—  That  there  are  now  S3  such  institutions  in  the 
Diocese  as  against  23  in  1907 ; 

2d— That  this  represents  an  increase  of  about  150*^*^; 
3rd—  That  while  the  23  in  1907  served  6 distinct 
charitable  purposes,  those  of  1923  serve  14; 

4th—  That  of  the  23  institutions  in  existence  in  1907, 
19  or  90^*^  of  them  have  been  supplanted  by  entirely 

[9] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


new  structures  or  enlarged  very  considerably  to  meet 
present-day  requirements ; 

5th—  That  the  approximate  valuation  of  diocesan 
charitable  institutions  in  1907  was  $3,500,000  as  against 
a valuation  to-day  of  about  $7,500,000. 

Of  course,  the  usefulness  of  these  institutions  to  the 
people  of  the  Diocese  and  the  community  at  large  has 
increased  correspondingly.  But  a mere  array  of  statis- 
tics, however  accurate  and  reliable  the  statistics  them- 
selves may  be,  scarcely  tells  a complete  story;  indeed, 
scarcely  gives  one  more  than  a very  general  idea  of 
any  subject.  It  would  carry  us  much  beyond  the  limits 
set  for  a brief  resume  of  the  charitable  activities  of  the 
Diocese  of  Boston  during  the  past  sixteen  years,  if  we 
were  to  attempt  a detailed  account  of  each  of  the  institu- 
tions above  mentioned. 

Their  value  to  the  community  at  large,  and  to  the 
faithful  of  the  Diocese  in  particular,  has  been  often 
enough  attested  to  both  by  public  officials  and  by  grate- 
ful beneficiaries,  those  who,  in  the  hour  of  pain  or  need, 
found  within  them  comfort,  shelter,  solace  or  direction. 
They  are,  indeed,  legion  who  can  tell  better  than  any- 
one else  can  tell  for  them  what  these  splendid  places 
have  meant,  not  to  themselves  alone,  but  what  they 
have  meant  to  countless  others. 

Almost  without  exception,  these  institutions  repre- 
sent structurally  a distinct  contribution  to  the  architec- 
tural beauty  of  our  communities.  In  equipment,  like- 
wise, they  are  invariably  fitted  to  meet  the  most  exact- 
ing requirements  in  connection  with  the  purposes  they 
are  intended  to  serve. 


[10] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


In  personnel,  they  have  increased  over  20(r^  in  the 
last  decade  alone ; while  in  point  of  service,  the  different 
religious  communities,  to  which  is  committed  the  ad- 
ministration of  mostly  all  of  these  charitable  works, 
represent  the  highest  type  of  intelligent,  devoted,  well- 
trained  men  and  women.  So  much  for  the  institutional 
charities. 

Non-Institutional  Works 

Most  people  are  more  easily  impressed  by  the  so- 
called  institutional  way  of  doing  charitable  work  than 
they  are  by  the  non-institutional  way;  and  yet,  as  great 
as  is  the  service  done  by  institutions,  there  is  a much 
greater  service  done  outside  of  institutions  in  the  field 
of  charity;  and  nowhere  is  this  more  fully  exemplified, 
and  it  may  be  said  more  cheerfully,  than  among  the 
faithful  of  the  Boston  Diocese. 

Non-institutional  charitable  work,  in  so  far  as  it 
represents  organized  collective  effort,  is  usually  done  by 
agencies  or  by  societies.  Of  these,  there  are  now  many 
well-organized,  permanently  established,  and  effectively 
functioning  in  the  Diocese. 

The  Diocesan  Bctreau 

There  is,  first  of  all,  the  Central  Diocesan  Charit- 
able Bureau  situated  in  the  heart  of  Metropolitan 
Boston,  with  its  large  staff  of  intelligent,  well-trained 
workers  responding  to  countless  calls  from  the  dependent 
and  benighted  for  direction,  aid  and  protection,  day  in 
and  day  out.  Closely  allied  with  all  the  charitable 
activities  of  the  Diocese  and  enjoying  the  confidence 
and  respect  of  the  civil  authorities,  this  Bureau  is  reo 

[11] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


ognized  far  and  wide  as  one  of  the  most  potent  influ- 
ences for  good  in  the  entire  State. 

Together  with  its  eight  branch  bureaus,  located  in 
cities  outside  of  Boston,  the  Central  Bureau,  through 
its  several  departments,  deals  in  turn  with  unfortunate 
mothers  and  their  off-spring;  with  homeless  and  orphan 
children;  with  wayward  juveniles;  with  helpless  and 
homeless  old  folks;  with  newly  arrived  immigrants,  un- 
familiar with  the  language  and  customs  of  our  country, 
welcoming  them  upon  their  arrival  from  other  lands  and 
guiding  them,  in  hundreds  of  instances,  to  their  des- 
tinations; with  neglected  children  by  means  of  well- 
organized  neighborhood  homes  and  vacation  camps ; 
with  Catholic  children  living  in  foster  homes  under  the 
supervision  of  public  child-placing  agencies,  by  a system 
of  cordial  co-operation  with  the  public  authorities;  and, 
finally,  with  the  general  public,  serving  as  an  informa- 
tion center  for  the  guidance  of  innumerable  persons  who, 
for  one  reason  or  other,  prefer  to  invoke  the  assistance 
of  a Catholic  agency  in  times  of  trouble  and  distress. 

In  this  connection,  it  is  of  some  historic  value,  at 
least,  to  note  that  this  Bureau,  adopted  as  a definite 
center  for  the  charitable  activities  of  the  Diocese  of 
Boston  by  His  Eminence,  Cardinal  O’Connell,  in  1907 
and  extended  from  time  to  time  by  the  addition  of  ser- 
viceable branch  bureaus  outside  of  Boston,  was  the  first 
bureau  of  its  kind  to  be  established  in  any  Diocese  of 
the  United  States. 

The  wisdom  of  systematizing  diocesan  charities  in 
this  way  finds  ample  justification,  not  alone  in  the 
acknowledged  service  which  has  resulted  to  the  whole 

[12] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


Catholic  community,  but  also  in  the  fact  that  not  less 
than  thirty  Dioceses  of  the  country  have  now  adopted 
the  self-same  system  with  slight  modifications  here  and 
there  to  meet  local  conditions. 

St.  Vincent  De  Paul  Society 

But,  while  the  Central  Diocesan  Charitable  Bureau 
and  its  many  branches  serve  a veritable  multitude  of 
needs,  they  are  admirably  assisted  by  other  agencies 
devoted  to  the  poor  and  dependent. 

Chief  among  them  is  the  Society  of  St.  Vincent  de 
Paul,  with  its  Central  Office  in  Boston,  extending  its 
valuable  services  more  and  more  each  year  to  the  poor 
in  every  corner  of  the  Diocese.  While  this  splendid 
Society  was  introduced  into  the  Boston  Diocese  as  early 
as  1861,  the  number  of  its  local  conferences  had 
reached  only  forty-eight  in  1907.  There  are  now,  how- 
ever, 115  parish  conferences  in  as  many  parishes 
operating  under  one  Central  Council  and  five  particular 
Councils,  including  a membership  of  1,378  as  against 
679  in  1907. 

According  to  the  most  recent  reports  of  the  Society, 
some  2,941  poor  families  were  aided  throughout  the 
Diocese  in  1922,  while  the  sum  of  $105,000  was  dis- 
tributed to  relieve  distress. 

In  addition  to  its  relief  work,  the  Society  of  St. 
Vincent  de  Paul  has  maintained  for  years  past,  together 
with  the  charitable  bureaus  of  the  Diocese,  representa- 
tives at  the  juvenile  sessions  of  local  courts  to  protect 
unfortunate  violators  of  the  law  and  to  co-operate  with 
the  courts  in  the  work  of  reclamation. 

[13] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


A questionnaire,  sent  out  by  the  Central  Charitable 
Bureau  to  the  parishes  of  the  Diocese  some  six  years 
ago,  brought  out  the  very  definite,  as  well  as  consoling, 
information  that  in  practically  every  parish  there  was 
either  a Conference  of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul  or  a charit- 
able guild  organized  and  functioning  for  the  relief  of 
the  poor. 

It  is  a matter  of  interest  to  recall  that  recent  national 
reports  of  the  Society  of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul,  made  in 
annual  convention,  placed  the  Diocese  of  Boston  among 
the  very  first  in  completeness  of  organization  and  in 
extent  of  relief  given. 

Co-operating  Societies 

But  organized  charitable  effort  of  a non-institutional 
kind  does  not  end  with  the  service  rendered  by  the 
diocesan  bureaus  and  the  Society  of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
notwithstanding  their  admirable,  and,  one  might  almost 
say,  adequate  response  to  the  call  of  the  poor.  There 
are  in  the  Diocese  of  Boston  to-day  a number  of  well- 
organized  groups  of  men  and  women  aiding  directly  or 
indirectly  many  most  deserving  charities. 

Unlike  some  other  Dioceses  where,  in  lieu  of  state 
institutions  for  charitable  purposes,  religious  groups  are 
subsidized  by  public  funds  to  care  for  the  poor,  the  sick 
and  the  wayward,  the  charitable  institutions  of  the 
Diocese  of  Boston  rely  entirely  upon  the  free-will  offer- 
ings of  the  faithful  for  their  establishment  and  con- 
tinuance. 

This  necessary  reliance  upon  friendly  interest  and 
voluntary  contributions  rather  than  upon  governmental 

[14] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


subsidy  has  been  responsible,  in  a great  measure,  for 
the  fine  co-operation  and  support  which  the  charities  of 
the  Diocese  receive  annually  from  a large  group  of 
societies. 

While  it  would  not  be  possible  here  to  elaborate,  to 
any  extent,  upon  the  service  of  all  these  societies,  any 
account  of  our  charitable  activities,  however  brief,  must 
pay  tribute  to  the  spirit  of  self-sacrifice  and  devotion 
that  leads  thousands  of  whole-hearted  men  and  women 
year  after  year  to  give  of  their  hard-earned  and  meagre 
holdings  a generous  portion  for  the  protection  and  relief 
of  their  less  fortunate  brethren.  To-day,  without  excep- 
tion, every  one  of  the  53  charitable  institutions  of  the 
Diocese  receives  the  moral,  and  in  most  instances,  the 
financial  support  of  some  guild  or  auxiliary. 

One  society  alone,  the  Guild  of  the  Infant  Savior, 
established  some  fifteen  years  ago  by  His  Eminence, 
Cardinal  O’Connell,  to  help  the  Catholic  Charitable 
Bureau  in  its  work  for  dependent  mothers  with  infants, 
has  grown  from  a membership  of  a few  hundred  to  a 
permanent  organization  of  over  2,500  members,  donat- 
ing to  the  work  of  the  Bureau,  in  addition  to  quantities 
of  infants’  apparel  made  by  the  members,  not  less  than 
$10,000  a year. 

The  Knights  of  Columbus,  the  League  of  Catholic 
Women,  the  Ladies’  Catholic  Benevolent  Association, 
the  Massachusetts  Catholic  Women’s  Guild,  the  Pro 
Parvulis  Club,  the  Massachusetts  Catholic  Order  of 
Foresters,  the  Catholic  Daughters  of  America,  and  many 
other  organizations  of  a less  general  membership  are  also 
annually  generous  contributors  to  diocesan  good  works. 

[IS] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


A very  thorough  discussion  of  ways  and  means  for 
the  support  of  charities  among  representatives  of  a 
large  number  of  Dioceses  at  a charitable  conference  in 
Washington,  a few  years  ago,  revealed  the  fact  that 
practically  no  other  Diocese  in  this  country  has  the 
advantage  of  such  well-organized  voluntary  support  for 
its  charities  as  obtains  in  the  Diocese  of  Boston. 

The  advantages  of  such  co-operation  are,  of  course, 
in  a practical  way  very  much  on  the  side  of  the  good 
works  assisted  but  not  wholly  so,  because  it  is  a matter 
of  every-day  experience  that  those  organizations  that 
are  not  exclusively  social  in  their  aims,  but  charitable 
as  well,  exert  a finer  influence  upon  their  membership, 
and  are  less  apt  to  disintegrate  than  purely  social  groups. 

In  verification  of  this,  one  has  only  to  note  the  un- 
usually flourishing  condition  within  the  Boston  Diocese 
of  such  organizations  as  we  have  in  mind.  In  the  matter 
of  membership,  they  enjoy  a consistent  and  healthy  in- 
crease from  year  to  year,  while,  in  point  of  loyalty  to 
the  Catholic  cause  in  its  every  aspect,  tliey  exhibit  a 
spirit  that  is  nothing  less  than  Apostolic. 

The  development  of  non-institutional  charitable  work 
is  one  of  the  very  distinctive  features  of  Cardinal 
O’ConnelFs  regime.  In  this  we  must  pay  tribute  to 
that  fine  power  of  discernment  which  His  Eminence 
exhibited  at  the  beginning  of  his  regime,  in  grasping 
the  trend  of  modern  charitable  effort.  The  wisdom  of 
his  advocacy  and  establishment  of  non-institutional 
charitable  works  throughout  the  Diocese  is  now  obvious 
to  the  most  casual  observer.  But  it  was  not  so  obvious 
almost  a generation  ago. 

[16] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


To-day,  were  our  Catholic  cause  not  adequately  rep- 
resented in  the  field  of  charity  by  well  equipped  agencies 
supported  by  permanently  organized  groups  of  loyal 
men  and  women,  we  should  cut  a very  sorry  figure  in 
the  community,  because  public  and  private  charitable 
and  social  work  outside  the  Church  to-day  is,  to  a great 
extent,  non-institutional ; that  is  to  say,  problems  that 
years  ago  were  settled  by  committing  individuals  and 
families,  young  and  old,  to  institutions  are  now  rather 
generally  solved  through  well-regulated  relief,  and  super- 
vision applied  to  individuals  and  families  in  their  homes. 

Educational  Work 

The  thoroughness  of  the  Diocesan  program  for  the 
development  of  the  Church’s  influence  as  well  as  her 
usefulness  in  the  field  of  charitable  work  are  in  no  way 
more  strikingly  brought  out  than  in  what  has  been  done 
along  educational  lines  and  in  the  promotion  of  whole- 
some legislation. 

Up  to  1910,  the  number  of  Catholic  young  men  and 
young  women  employed  by  the  public  departments  of 
charity  and  social  welfare  throughout  the  country  was 
negligible,  and  yet,  here  as  elsewhere,  a goodly  number 
of  the  individuals  and  families  aided,  directed  and  su- 
pervised were  Catholic,  both  in  and  out  of  the  public 
institutions.  While  paying  tribute  to  the  good  work  of 
the  non-Catholic  agents  in  these  several  departments,  it 
seemed  to  His  Eminence  that  our  young  people  should 
be  advised  of  the  opportunities  for  service  to  the  poor 
and  unfortunate  under  public  and  private  auspices,  and 
should  be  thoroughly  trained  to  enter  this  service. 

[17] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


Accordingly,  in  1912,  under  the  special  patronage  of 
His  Eminence,  a special  evening  shoool  for  the  train- 
ing of  charitable  and  social  workers  was  started  in  con- 
junction with  the  Young  Men’s  Catholic  Evening  School 
and  under  the  direction  of  the  Catholic  Charitable 
Bureau.  This  course,  the  very  first  of  its  kind  under 
Catholic  auspices  in  this  country,  has  become  a perman- 
ent institution  in  the  Diocese. 

It  has  had  for  the  past  eleven  years  an  annual  enroll- 
ment of  over  one  hundred  and  fifty  pupils,  and  a large 
number  of  its  certificated  graduates  are  now  holding 
responsible  positions  in  public  and  private  charities 
throughout  the  whole  State  and  beyond  its  limits.  In- 
deed, in  the  administrative  staff  of  our  state  charities 
to-day,  the  Catholic  trained  social  worker  is  in  the 
majority.  In  the  departments  of  public  health  and  cor- 
rection, Catholic  workers  are  also  now  very  much  to 
the  fore. 

The  last  decade  in  the  Diocese  has  really  witnessed 
a veritable  unfolding  of  numberless  opportunities  for 
Catholic  young  men  and  young  women  in  a field  of 
service  where  opportunities  without  number  arise  to 
bring  spiritual  assistance  as  well  as  material  relief  to 
their  less  fortunate  co-religionists.  In  the  encourage- 
ment and  training  of  our  young  Catholic  people  for  this 
kind  of  public  service.  His  Eminence  was  a pioneer. 

He  sent  out  the  call  to  our  young  men  and  young 
women  of  education  to  take  up  as  a life  work,  in  a 
practical  way,  the  solution  of  those  social  problems  that 
are  a stumbling  block  in  the  path  of  modern  life.  To 
those  of  us  who  are  in  a position  to  know  how  success 

[18] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


fully  our  Catholic  workers  throughout  the  whole  country 
are  now  meeting  and  solving  in  a practical  way,  under 
public  and  private  auspices,  the  trying  problems  aris- 
ing out  of  sickness,  waywardness  and  poverty,  there 
comes  a feeling  of  gratitude  to  God  for  what  has  been 
accomplished  along  this  line. 

Efforts  for  the  Public  Welfare 

We  might  well  stop  here  in  the  story  of  what  has 
been  accomplished  along  charitable  lines  by  His  Emin- 
ence during  the  last  sixteen  years,  but  there  is  at  least 
one  more  matter  of  importance  which  should  be  men- 
tioned, and  that  is  the  interest  of  His  Eminence  in 
legislation  for  the  relief  of  the  working  people  and 
their  families. 

Through  his  recognized  agency,  the  Catholic  Charit- 
able Bureau,  His  Eminence  gave  encouragement  and 
support  to  many  wholesome  measures  for  the  better- 
ment of  social  conditions  among  the  working  people, 
including  the  establishment  of  the  Industrial  Accident 
Board  and  the  Mothers’  Aid  Department  of  Massachu- 
setts, both  recognized  now  throughout  the  country  as 
the  fairest  and  best  form  of  social  legislation. 

Again,  to  provide  compensation  for  religious  services 
in  public  institutions,  a measure  was  introduced  by  the 
Catholic  Charitable  Bureau  in  1913  and  passed  in  the 
same  year,  which  has  since  that  time  mafle  statutory 
provision  for  religious  services  in  every  public  institu- 
tion of  the  state  at  public  expense. 

In  every  movement  of  public  concern.  His  Eminence 
has  taken  a prominent  part,  personally  or  through  his 

[19] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


representative.  Throughout  the  entire  period  of  the 
late  war,  he  insisted  upon  the  fullest  measure  of  co- 
operation, on  the  part  of  his  people,  with  the  Red  Cross 
for  the  comfort  of  the  enlisted  man  and  his  family; 
while  during  the  epidemic  of  1918  he  placed  the  Diocesan 
Seminary  and  over  nine  hundred  of  the  teaching  Sisters 
at  the  service  of  the  public  health  authorities  to  care  for 
the  sick  and  dying  of  all  races  and  of  all  denominations. 

The  frequent  appearance  of  the  director  of  the  char- 
ities of  the  Diocese  at  legislative  hearings  and  at  meet- 
ings of  citizens,  held  to  promote  various  good  causes, 
furnishes  from  day  to  day  evidence  enough  of  His  Em- 
inence’s alert  and  sympathetic  interest,  not  only  in  the 
welfare  of  his  own  flock,  but  in  the  welfare  of  the  entire 
community. 

Altogether,  the  story  of  the  last  sixteen  years,  along 
charitable  lines,  in  the  Diocese  of  Boston,  is  a story  of 
real  achievement.  There  has  been  an  absence  through- 
out of  unusual  or  spectacular  methods.  His  Eminence 
visualized  his  task  in  the  beginning,  settled  upon  the 
objective  and  the  manner  of  reaching  it.  He  knew  his 
people’s  generosity  and  felt  confident  of  their  reliance 
upon  his  guidance,  with  results  that  shall  remain  for 
many  a generation  as  evidence  of  what  one  may  expect 
in  the  way  of  real  accomplishment,  when  Bishop  and 
people  are  as  one  in  faith  and  in  purpose. 

Splendid  Spirit  of  Loyalty  and  Devotion 

After  all,  grapes  do  not  grow  of  thorns  nor  figs  of 
thistles.  If  the  Boston  Diocese  is  blessed  as  few,  if  any 
other,  dioceses  the  world  over  are  blessed,  with  a splen- 

[20] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


did  array  of  charitable  works,  institutional  and  non- 
institutional,  parochial  and  diocesan,  extending  annually 
to  thousands  of  men,  women  and  children,  comfort, 
consolation,  shelter  and  protection,  it  is  because  no- 
where else  in  all  the  world  to-day  is  there  a people  more 
devoted  to  the  faith  of  their  fathers,  or  more  responsive 
to  the  call  of  their  Spiritual  Leader. 

The  responsiveness  of  the  priests  and  people  of  the 
Diocese  to  the  charitable  appeals  of  His  Eminence  has 
always  been  both  ready  and  generous.  When  occasion 
required,  as  in  the  cases  of  the  Working  Boys’  Home 
and  St.  Elizabeth’s  Hospital,  the  former  involving  the 
wiping  out  of  a large  indebtedness  and  the  latter  calling 
for  the  erection  of  an  entirely  new  plant  of  splendid 
dimensions,  His  Eminence  with  characteristic  frankness 
placed  each  proposition  in  turn  before  the  people  and 
asked  them  to  help  him. 

It  is  a matter  of  record  that  the  amounts  given  in 
both  instances  within  a few  short  weeks  were  greatly 
in  excess  of  any  amount  collected  in  any  other  Diocese 
of  the  country,  under  similar  conditions,  up  to  that  time. 
In  the  case  of  the  Working  Boys’  Home,  His  Eminence 
asked  for  $100,000.  and  he  got  considerably  more;  while, 
in  the  campaign  for  St.  Elizabeth’s  Hospital,  he  asked 
for  $200,000,  and  he  got  not  less  than  25^*^  in  excess  of 
that  amount. 

Again,  on  a less  pretentious  scale,  but  for  a cause 
that  has  meant  much  indeed  to  our  Catholic  womanhood 
in  the  matter  of  solidarity  and  intelligent  co-operation 
along  social  welfare  lines.  His  Eminence  appealed  for 
funds  to  purchase  the  valuable  property  now  used  as  a 

[21] 


DIOCESAN  CHARITIES 


social  center  under  the  auspices  of  the  League  of  Catho- 
lic Women.  The  response,  as  usual,  was  characteris- 
tically generous. 

And  so  it  has  been  without  exception  during  the  past 
sixteen  years.  Priests  and  people,  full  of  admiration 
for  the  intelligent  leadership  of  His  Eminence  and  hav- 
ing a deeply  rooted  confidence  in  the  sincerity  of  his 
purpose  as  well  as  in  the  largeness  of  his  vision,  have 
given  an  example  of  loyalty,  devotion  and  generosity, 
unsurpassed  anywhere  else  in  the  Catholic  world. 


[22] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


A Study  of  the  Growth  and  Development  of 
Catholic  Education  in  the  Archdiocese 
of  Boston,  1907-1923 


BY  Rev.  a.  F.  Hickey,  S.  T.  L., 

Diocesan  Supervisor  of  Schools 

A study  of  the  gratifying  progress  of  Catholic  Educa- 
tion in  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston  during  the  period 
1907-1923  falls  naturally  under  two  general  considera- 
tions. What  is  the  actual  state  of  affairs  in  terms  of 
quantity,  and  how  has  the  work  attained  to  such  mate- 
rial proportions  ? What  is  the  present  condition  in  terms 
of  quality,  and  how  has  quality  of  effort  been  main- 
tained and  improved?  How  much  and  how  well — these 
are  the  questions  which  present  themselves  in  an  attempt 
to  review  a project  so  extensive,  so  far  reaching  and  so 
vital  in  its  nature  as  the  work  of  Catholic  Education. 

Growth  and  development  are  the  aspects  of  the  sub- 
ject which  call  for  investigation  and  review.  An  investi- 
gation of  growth  will  furnish  information  on  the  amount 
of  educational  work  carried  on  during  the  period  selected 
for  this  study.  A review  of  development  will  be  con- 
cerned with  the  policies,  principles,  aims  and  purposes 
which  have  contributed  effectively  to  the  achievement 
of  very  satisfactory  results. 

[25] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Growth  Through  the  Establishment 
Of  New  Schools 

In  a survey  of  the  growth  of  Catholic  Education  two 
important  factors  must  be  recognized  and  distinguished. 
The  first  is  the  leadership  of  the  Bishop,  supported  by 
the  co-operation  of  parish  priests,  who  organize  the 
Catholic  people  and  guide  them  as  a working  unit  in 
the  establishment  and  maintenance  of  schools  in  the 
parishes  of  a Diocese. 

The  second  factor  in  the  growth  of  Catholic  Educa- 
tion is  the  holy  enterprise  of  religious  communities 
which  urges  them  to  advance  Catholic  Education  by 
the  establishment  of  Schools,  Academies  and  Colleges 
for  the  purpose  of  meeting  general  rather  than  parish 
needs.  This  second  factor  finds  its  source  of  life  and 
strength  in  the  encouragement  and  approval  of  the 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese. 

At  the  present  time,  there  are  117  Parochial  Schools 
in  operation  in  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston.  There  are 
17  Academies  and  Preparatory  Schools  for  boys,  girls, 
young  men  and  young  women.  There  are  two  Catholic 
colleges ; one  for  men,  one  for  women. 

On  October  1,  1923,  86,600  Catholic  pupils  were  en- 
rolled in  these  educational  institutions  of  the  Arch- 
diocese. In  addition  1574  Catholic  children  were  being 
cared  for  in  the  schools  carried  on  in  10  Charitable 
Institutions.  The  total  number  of  Catholics  in  Catho- 
lic Schools  of  all  types  was  88,174. 

This  consoling  number  of  schools  with  such  grati- 
fying membership  represents  consistent  effort  and  self 

[26] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


sacrifice  on  the  part  of  Bishops,  priests,  religious  and 
people  during  a long  period  of  years.  In  the  field  of 
Parochial  School  work  it  is  worthy  of  note  that  in  1875 
only  14  parishes  in  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston  were 
conducting  Parochial  Schools. 

Fifteen  years  later,  in  1890,  there  were  45  Parochial 
Schools,  an  increase  of  31  in  fifteen  years.  In  the  fol- 
lowing fifteen  year  period  to  1906,  26  parishes  estab- 
lished schools,  bringing  the  total  up  to  71.  From  1907 
to  1923,  47  parishes  have  opened  Parochial  Schools 
bringing  the  total  number  up  to  117.  During  the  in- 
terval 1907-1923  one  school  was  closed. 

This  analysis  of  the  growth  of  the  Parochial  School 
system  shows  that  the  increase  from  1907  to  1923  has 
been  far  greater  than  the  increase  during  the  same 
period  of  years  at  any  time  in  the  history  of  the  Arch- 
diocese. During  the  fifteen  year  period  next  preceding 
i.  e.,  1890-1906,  only  26  Parochial  Schools  were  estab- 
lished, while  the  period  1907-1923  shows  a growth  of  47, 
almost  double  the  number  established  during  the  fifteen 
year  period  immediately  preceding.  Furthermore,  from 
1875  to  1923,  48  years,  104  parishes  have  established 
schools.  Of  these  104  schools  established  during  a period 
of  48  years,  47  or  almost  one  half  have  come  into  ex- 
istence from  1907  to  1923. 

The  effect  in  Catholic  life  of  this  great  increase  in 
Parochial  Schools  since  1907  is  brought  into  clear  relief 
by  the  fact  that  these  47  recently  instituted  schools 
enroll  at  the  present  time,  in  elementary  and  high  school 
classes,  23,661  pupils  and  that  these  schools  require  the 
services  of  512  teachers. 


[27] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


The  enrollment  in  Parochial  Schools  alone  in  1907- 
1908  was  50,144.  In  October  1923  the  enrollment  in 
Parochial  Schools  was  81,129  an  increase  of  30,985. 
This  increase  is  due  in  very  large  measure  to  the  estab- 
lishment of  the  47  new  schools  which  enrolled  on  Octo- 
ber 1,  1923,  23,661.  This  enrollment  in  the  new  schools 
represents  77%  of  the  increase  in  enrollment  during  fif- 
teen years. 

Growth  Through  the  Construction 
Of  New  Buildings 

The  growth  of  Catholic  education  in  the  parishes  of 
the  Archdiocese  has  not  been  restricted  to  the  openipg 
of  new  schools.  From  1907-1923  there  have  been  many 
evidences  of  growth  in  parishes  where  schools  had  been 
in  operation  for  several  years.  In  these  cases  material 
growth  was  necessary  to  meet  the  demands  of  larger 
enrollment  and  to  improve  the  material  condition  of 
buildings  and  classrooms. 

From  1907-1923,  65  parishes  of  the  Archdiocese  of 
Boston  erected  71  new  School  Buildings.  These  new 
school  buildings  represent  the  best  modern  thought  in 
school  house  construction.  They  are  imposing  monu- 
ments, for  in  character  and  quality  they  exemplify  the 
spirit  and  the  purpose  of  the  work  of  the  Church  in 
education.  These  new  buildings  have  given  777  addi- 
tional classrooms  to  the  school  system  of  the  Archdiocese. 

From  1907-1923,  32  parishes  have  enlarged  school 
houses  or  have  purchased  buildings  to  be  adapted  to 
school  purposes.  These  projects  for  enlargement  of 

[28] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


facilities  have  added  169  classrooms  to  the  total  avail- 
able. During  the  school  year  1905-1906  there  were  941 
classrooms  in  use  in  the  Parochial  Schools  of  the  Arch- 
diocese of  Boston.  From  1907-1923,  946  new  classrooms 
have  been  constructed.  These  new  classrooms  represent 
an  increase  of  one  hundred  percent  in  classroom  ac- 
commodations available  accomplished  through  new 
buildings  and  additions  during  the  period  1907-1923. 

The  support  and  maintenance  of  the  Parochial  School 
calls  for  other  buildings  than  the  school  house.  A con- 
vent must  be  provided  for  the  teaching  religious.  The 
convent  is  in  the  nature  of  things  an  integral  part  of 
the  educational  equipment  of  the  parish.  During  the 
period  1907-1923,  23  parishes  erected  new  convents. 
During  the  same  period  41  parishes  enlarged  their 
convents  or  they  purchased  buildings  to  be  remodelled 
for  convent  purposes. 

A very  impressive  fact  is  learned  from  a comparative 
study  of  the  lists  of  parishes,  building  new  schools, 
enlarging  school  buildings,  building  new  convents  or 
remodelling  buildings  for  convent  purposes  during  the 
period  of  this  study.  From  1907-1923,  99  different 
parishes  of  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston  were  engaged  at 
one  time  or  another  in  carrying  on  a building  program 
for  the  enlargement  of  opportunities  in  Catholic  educa- 
tion. This  compelling  fact  is  an  unusual  tribute  to 
the  active  devotion  and  self  sacrifice  of  the  priests  and 
people  of  the  Archdiocese  in  the  solution  of  the  material 
problems  in  the  work  of  Catholic  Education. 

[29] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Growth  of  Academies  and  Preparatory  Schools 

During  the  years  1907-1923,  the  following  Acad- 
emies and  Preparatory  Schools  were  established  in  the 


Archdiocese  of  Boston. 

St.  John’s  Preparatory  School,  Danvers  1907 

Sacred  Heart  Academy,  Watertown  1911 

^Marycliff  Academy,  Arlington  Heights  1913 

Loring  Villa,  Salem  1916 

Academy  of  St.  Dominic,  Waverly  1917 

St.  Clement’s  School,  Canton  1922 

Sacred  Heart  Boarding  School,  Sharon  1923 

St.  Agnes  School  for  Girls,  Newton  1923 


During  the  school  year  1905-1906  there  were  9 Cath- 
olic Schools  of  the  Academy  and  Preparatory  School 
type  conducted  by  religious  communities  independent 
of  parish  control.  Eight  new  schools  of  this  type  have 
been  established  from  1907-1923. 

The  Academies  and  Preparatory  Schools  have  enlarged 
their  school  accommodations  by  the  erection  of  new 
buildings  as  follows  :St.  John’s  Preparatory  School  built 
two  large  buildings  for  school  purposes,  one  in  1912, 
one  in  1915.  The  Academies  of  Notre  Dame,  Boston: 
Notre  Dame,  Roxbury:  Mt.  St.  Joseph,  Brighton:  As- 
sumption, Wellesley:  Loring  Villa,  Salem:  Sacred  Heart, 
Watertown:  Sacred  Heart  Boarding  School,  Sharon: 
Academy  of  St.  Dominic,  Waverley:  have  constructed 
new  buildings  for  academic  purposes.  The  convent  of 
the  Sacred  Heart,  Boston,  has  enlarged  its  convent  and 
school  by  the  purchase  of  adjoining  buildings.  Mary- 

[30] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


cliff  Academy,  Arlington  Heights,  purchased  buildings 
to  be  adapted  to  school  purposes.  Later,  the  original 
building  was  enlarged  by  an  addition  of  10  rooms. 

The  years  1907-1923  have  witnessed  the  establish- 
ment of  8 new  academies  and  preparatory  schools  and 
the  erection  of  10  new  buildings  to  meet  the  needs  of 
these  schools. 

Growth  of  Catholic  Colleges 

In  the  field  of  Catholic  Higher  Education  the  mater- 
ial growth  of  our  Catholic  Colleges  has  been  marked 
during  the  past  fifteen  years.  In  1913  Boston  College, 
established  in  1863,  moved  the  college  department  to 
new  buildings  erected  on  an  unusually  attractive  site 
at  Chestnut  Hill,  Newton.  Three  magnificent  buildings 
have  been  erected  on  the  new  location  of  the  college. 
Boston  College,  in  the  beauty  of  its  natural  surround- 
ings and  in  the  impressive  character  of  the  architecture 
of  its  buildings,  stands  today  a monument  to  the  interest 
and  generosity  of  the  Catholics  of  Boston  in  behalf 
of  Catholic  Higher  Education. 

In  May  1922  a great  Drive  for  funds  for  the  new 
buildings  of  Boston  College  was  carried  on  with  great 
success  throughout  the  Diocese.  Priests  and  people 
working  in  parish  units  raised  within  ten  days  the  sum 
of  $2,000,000  for  the  support  and  development  of  this 
project.  His  Eminence,  Cardinal  O’Connell,  set  the 
example  to  his  people  by  giving  a large  personal  con- 
tribution to  this  fund. 

The  Drive  Fund  represented  the  sum  of  the  contribu- 
tions of  thousands  of  Catholics  who  were  eager  to  use 

[31] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


this  opportunity  to  manifest  their  unselfish  interest  in 
a great  Catholic  cause.  The  Boston  College  Drive  of 
1922  is  an  outstanding  achievement  for  Catholic  educa- 
tion during  the  period  now  under  consideration. 

In  September  1919  the  first  Catholic  College  for  women 
in  New  England  was  opened  at  the  Fenway  in  Boston. 
Emmanuel  College  was  established  by  the  Sisters  of 
Notre  Dame  of  Namur.  The  faculty  is  made  up  of 
Sisters  of  the  community  and  of  priests  of  the  faculty 
of  St.  John’s  Seminary,  Brighton.  In  April  1921,  by 
an  act  of  the  Massachusetts  Legislature,  Emmanuel 
College  was  granted  a charter  with  the  power  to  confer 
collegiate  degrees. 

In  June  1923  the  first  degrees  were  given  to  thirty- 
five  members  of  the  first  senior  class.  This  new  Cath- 
olic College  for  Women  meets  a pressing  need.  For 
men  and  women  alike  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston  now 
provides  opportunities  for  education  under  Catholic 
auspices  from  elementary  school  on  to  the  completion 
of  the  college  course. 

Growth  Through  Increase  in  Enrollment 

The  study  of  the  enrollment  of  pupils  in  a school 
organization  is  centered  about  two  important  facts. 
The  first  is  the  increase  in  the  number  of  pupils  enrolled. 
The  second  is  the  grade  of  work  to  which  these  pupils 
have  attained. 

The  period  1907-1923  is  marked  by  a great  increase 
in  actual  enrollment.  What  is  equally  significant  is 
the  evidence  that  there  has  been  steady  progress  in  the 
development  of  high  school  and  college  work. 

[32] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


During  the  school  year  1907-1908  the  Catholic  Schools 
of  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston,  Parochial  Schools,  Acad- 
emies, Preparatory  Schools  and  Colleges,  enrolled 
51,750  pupils. 

In  the  present  year,  1923-1924,  the  Catholic  Schools 
of  the  Archdiocese  enroll  86,600  pupils,  an  increase  of 
34,850  or  67%.  There  are  now  practically  35,000  more 
pupils  in  the  Catholic  Schools  of  the  Archdiocese  of 
Boston  than  were  enrolled  15  years  ago. 


The  following  tables  show  the  enrollment  of  pupils 
in  all  schools  in  1907-1908  and  1923-1924. 


1907 

PAROCHIAL 

SCHOOLS 

ACADEMIES 

PREPARATORY 

SCHOOLS 

COLLEGES 

TOTAL 

1908 

1923 

50,144 

1,436 

170 

51,750 

1924 

81,129 

4,322 

1,149 

86,600 

1907 

Total  Hlg-h 

Enrolled  Scnools 

(percent  of) 
(enrollment) 

Colleges 

(percent  of) 

(enroUment) 

1908  51,750  1,662 

3.2% 

170 

.0034% 

1923 

1924  86,600  7,293 


8.4% 


1,149 


1.3% 


The  increase  in  pupils  doing  high  school  and  college 
work  in  proportion  to  the  increase  in  total  enrollment 
shows  how  effectively  the  Catholic  Schools  are  meeting 
their  responsibilities  for  a constantly  finer  quality  of 
service  to  Catholic  children.  This  increase  shows  itself 
not  only  in  the  larger  enrollment  but  in  the  percentage 

[33] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


of  high  school  and  college  pupils  in  the  total  enrollment 
of  the  Diocese. 

The  increase  in  the  number  of  pupils  in  High  Schools 
is  the  result  of  the  establishment  of  3 Academies  for 
Girls,  1 Preparatory  School  for  Boys  and  new  parish 
High  Schools  in  24  parishes  of  the  Archdiocese.  In  the 
Parochial  Schools  in  1907-1908  only  1.5%  of  the  pupils 
enrolled  were  doing  High  School  work.  In  1923-1924, 
5.2%  of  the  pupils  in  Parochial  Schools  are  following 
High  School  courses.  The  enrollment  in  this  depart- 
ment has  increased  practically  four  times  in  fifteen  years. 

The  value  of  the  elementary  school  to  children  is 
measured  likewise  by  the  proportionate  number  of  pupils 
enrolled  in  the  higher  grades.  In  1907-1908,  1,108  pupils 
graduated  from  elementary  Parochial  Schools.  This 
group  represented  2.3%  of  49,352  pupils  enrolled  in  the 
elementary  grades  of  Parochial  Schools.  In  June  1923, 
5,398  out  of  73,591  or  7.3%  were  graduated  from  the 
elementary  course. 


No.  Enrolled 


Elementary  Grades 

Graduates 

Percentage  of 

1907 

Parochial  Schools 

Elementary  Grades 

Enrollment 

1908 

June 

49,352 

1,108 

2.3% 

1923 

73,591 

5,398 

7.3% 

This  fact  furnishes  a striking  indication  of  the  richer 
and  more  complete  service  offered  by  Parochial  Schools 
after  an  interval  of  fifteen  years.  During  these  years 
from  1908  to  1923  the  Parochial  Schools  of  the  Arch- 
diocese graduated  from  elementary  schools  52,713  pupils. 

[34] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


The  increase  in  graduates  from  Academies,  Prepara- 
tory Schools  and  Colleges  is  shown  in  the  following  table. 


1907 

Academies 

Preparatory  Schools 

College 

1908 

June 

115 

28 

1923 

529 

180 

Growth  Through  Increase  in  Number  of  Teachers 

The  growth  of  Catholic  Education  depends  in  large 
measure  on  the  increase  in  vocations  to  the  religious 
life,  for  the  teaching  force  of  the  Catholic  School  is 
made  up  of  generous  self-sacrificing  souls  who  conse- 
crate themselves  in  religion  to  this  holy  work.  The 
religious  communities  working  in  the  Archdiocese  of 
Boston  have  been  able  to  meet  the  unusual  increase  in 
schools  and  in  enrollment  during  fifteen  years  in  a very 
satisfactory  manner.  A great  increase  in  vocations  to 
these  teaching  communities  made  it  possible  to  supply 
almost  adequately  the  great  demand  for  more  teachers. 
The  need  is  always  urgent  but  the  accomplishment  of 
fifteen  years  gives  hope  and  confidence  for  the  future. 

The  following  tables  present  the  results  of  a compara- 
tive study  of  the  teaching  force  in  Catholic  Schools  in 
1907-1908  and  in  1923-1924. 


{a)  Parochial  Schools 


1907 

Religious 

Communities 

Teaching 

Sisters 

Teaching 

Brothers 

Lay 

Teachers 

Total 

1908 

1923 

25 

906 

77 

45 

1,028 

1924 

29 

1,683 

65 

74 

1,822 

[35] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


(b)  Academies  and  Colleges 


1907 

Numlier  Teachers 

All  Academies 

Faculties 

Colleg'es 

1908 

108 

17 

1923 

1924 

264 

66 

It  is  important  to  note  that  the  great  demand  for 
teachers  has  not  made  necessary  the  employment  of 
many  lay  teachers.  The  vigor  and  strength  of  the  faith 
and  love  of  Catholic  men  and  women  of  the  Diocese  have 
inspired  them  to  offer  their  lives  to  religious  education 
during  these  years  when  the  need  was  urgent. 

The  example  and  the  influence  of  the  religious  teacher 
is  the  soul  of  Catholic  Education.  In  the  Archdiocese 
of  Boston  the  increase  in  the  number  of  religious  teachers 
is  the  fruit  of  vocations  developed  in  large  measure  with- 
in the  limits  of  the  Diocese.  All  the  religious  communi- 
ties conducting  Parochial  Schools  receive  each  year  many 
postulants  from  the  parishes  where  these  schools  are 
located. 

From  1907-1923  the  number  of  teaching  Brothers  in 
elementary  schools  has  decreased  slightly.  This  decrease 
means  that  the  work  of  the  Brothers  has  been  taken 
over  by  Sisters  of  religious  communities  of  women.  In 
school  work  with  younger  children  the  Sister  is  for  ob- 
vious reasons  more  effective  than  the  Brother.  It  is 
fast  becoming  the  policy  of  teaching  communities  of  men 
to  concentrate  their  activities  in  the  education  of  older 
boys  in  elementary  schools  and  high  schools. 

[36] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Three  religious  communities  have  been  introduced  into 
the  Archdiocese  for  Parochial  School  work  in  the  past 
fifteen  years  as  follows:— 

The  Sisters  of  the  Holy  Child  Jesus  at  Melrose  1909 

The  Sisters  of  Christian  Education  at  Waltham  1911 

The  Sisters  of  St.  Joan  D’Arc  at  Shirley  1921 

The  Grey  Nuns  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  formerly  known 
as  Grey  Nuns  of  the  Cross,  began  their  autonomous 
existence  as  a religious  community  in  1921. 

The  Brothers  of  the  Sacred  Heart  made  their  first 
foundation  in  the  Diocese  in  1922  when  they  initiated 
their  project  of  a resident  school  for  boys  at  Sharon. 
This  school  was  opened  in  September  1923. 

The  work  of  the  novitiate  training  of  young  religious 
has  moved  forward  apace  with  the  general  growth  in 
the  field  of  Catholic  education. 

The  Novitiate  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  was  trans- 
ferred in  1921  from  Canton  to  a magnificent  new  build- 
ing in  Framingham.  At  the  present  time  the  number  of 
candidates  in  this  novitiate  is  the  largest  in  the  history 
of  this  community  during  its  fifty  years  of  service  in 
Boston. 

The  Novitiate  of  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  of  Namur 
in  Waltham  was  enlarged  by  the  erection  of  a modern 
well  equipped  building  in  1921  to  meet  the  needs  created 
by  the  large  increase  in  the  number  of  candidates  aspir- 
ing to  membership  in  this  teaching  community,  which 
has  conducted  schools  in  Boston  since  1849. 

These  two  novitiates  of  Framingham  and  Waltham 
train  the  future  religious  teachers  for  practically  one 
half  of  the  educational  work  done  in  the  Archdiocese  of 

[37] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Boston.  The  growth  and  development  of  these  strong 
religious  bodies  is  convincing  proof  of  the  devotion  and 
the  religious  spirit  characteristic  of  the  Catholic  people 
of  the  Diocese. 

The  Franciscan  Sisters  of  the  Immaculate  Conception 
built  and  opened  a new  novitiate  in  Newton  in  1914. 
The  purpose  was  to  make  convenient  the  training  of 
future  religious  teachers  by  the  location  of  a Novitiate 
in  a Diocese  where  a great  number  of  religious  voca- 
tions have  been  nurtured  and  developed. 

In  September  1923  the  Xaverian  Brothers  opened  a 
Juniorate  at  Oak  Hill,  Peabody,  Mass,  for  aspirants  to 
their  community.  This  Juniorate  is  located  in  a per- 
fect situation  where  the  beauties  of  nature  and  the 
healthfulness  of  the  environment  will  make  a large  con- 
tribution to  the  development  of  efficient  religious  teach- 
ers. Fifty-two  aspirants  were  enrolled  at  the  new  Jun- 
iorate during  the  first  month  of  its  existence. 

Each  religious  novitiate  in  the  Diocese  is  giving  praise- 
worthy attention  to  the  formation  of  the  true  religious 
character  in  postulants  and  novices.  The  religious  char- 
acter is  the  foundation  of  successful  work  for  Catholic 
Education.  With  the  proper  emphasis  on  religious  train- 
ing and  discipline,  the  community  normal  schools  are 
making  constant  progress  in  the  preparation  of  teachers 
skilled  and  eager  to  give  efficient  service  in  Catholic 
Schools. 

The  Development  of  Catholic  Education 
The  facts  presented  above  show  the  great  proportions 
to  which  Catholic  Education  has  grown  in  the  past  fif- 

[38] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


teen  years  in  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston.  117  Parochial 
Schools,  1822  teachers  and  82,000  children  form  a power- 
ful Parochial  School  organization.  This  organization 
has  never  failed  to  appreciate  the  responsibility  of  ad- 
vancing and  improving  constantly  the  quality  of  Cath- 
olic education  for  the  direct  personal  benefit  of  pupils, 
for  the  consolation  of  the  Church,  and  for  the  strength 
of  the  state  and  the  nation. 

The  increase  in  schools,  pupils  and  teachers  from  1907 
to  1923  created  many  new  and  serious  problems.  It 
was  the  obvious  task  of  the  diocesan  authorities  to  meet 
the  new  situations  in  a rapidly  growing  system  and  to 
devise  effective  policies  for  guidance  and  direction. 

The  plans  formulated  and  carried  out  from  1907  to 
1923  under  the  direction  of  the  Archbishop  of  Boston 
for  the  development  of  Catholic  Education,  particularly 
in  Parochial  Schools,  can  best  be  described  in  the  state- 
ment that  the  quality  of  the  work  done  has  kept  steady 
pace  with  the  great  material  growth.  If  there  are  more 
schools  now,  there  are  now  better  schools.  If  there  are 
more  teachers,  there  are  better -trained  teachers.  If  there 
are  more  pupils,  these  pupils  are  receiving  a superior 
quality  of  educational  training. 

The  development  of  Catholic  Education  in  the  Arch- 
diocese of  Boston  during  fifteen  years  has  proceeded  in 
an  orderly  way.  Each  new  policy  has  had  a definite 
objective.  The  coordination  of  the  various  plans  of 
action  has  produced  a strong  diocesan  school  organiza- 
tion, united,  efficient,  and  devoted  to  the  high  purposes 
of  Catholic  Education. 


[39] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


The  Supervision  of  Schools 

The  first  responsibility  of  diocesan  leadership  and 
direction  in  the  field  of  education  is  to  present  an  at- 
titude and  a policy  of  helpfulness  towards  the  Superiors 
and  Schools  and  teachers  who  make  up  the  working 
force  of  the  school  organization.  To  this  end  a method 
of  constructive  supervision  was  developed  and  carried 
through.  With  the  great  increase  in  number  of  schools 
and  teachers  it  became  necessary  in  1914  to  plan  a more 
effective  method  of  supervising  classroom  procedure 
than  was  possible  with  the  Diocesan  Supervisor  of 
Schools  working  alone. 

In  October  1914  the  Archbishop  of  Boston  appointed 
a Board  of  Community  Supervisors  of  Schools.  Each 
community  teaching  2,000  children  in  the  schools  of 
the  Archdiocese  w^as  given  a representative  on  this  Board. 

The  Board  was  composed  of  twelve  members,  repre- 
senting ten  religious  communities. 

The  function  of  these  Community  Supervisors  is  a 
most  important  one.  The  schools  conducted  by  their 
respective  communities  are  visited  at  regular  intervals, 
local  school  problems  are  studied  and  assistance  and 
guidance  are  given  to  the  teacher  in  the  classroom.  It 
is  also  the  duty  of  these  Supervisors  to  act  in  an 
advisory  capacity  to  the  Diocesan  Supervisor  of  School? 
in  matters  of  general  educational  policy. 

These  Community  Supervisors  have  carried  on  their 
work  with  great  effectiveness.  At  the  present  time  the 
results  of  their  efforts  are  manifest.  The  schools  of  each 

[40] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


religious  community  work  as  a unit  participating  act- 
ively in  the  larger  life  of  the  diocesan  organization. 

The  Community  Supervisor  strengthens  and  solidifies 
the  work  of  the  teachers  under  her  supervision.  Each 
religious  community  makes  its  vital  contribution  to  the 
educational  work  of  the  Diocese. 

The  Diocesan  Supervisor  supplements  the  results  of 
his  own  experience  and  observation  by  conference  and 
study  with  the  Community  Supervisors.  An  excellent 
spirit  of  cooperation  thus  engendered  has  developed  a 
very  effective  professional  leadership  for  the  classroom 
work  in  Parochial  Schools. 

In  January  1915  a special  Supervisor  for  the  study 
of  Music  was  appointed  by  the  Archbishop.  This  sup- 
ervisor was  in  charge  of  all  the  work  in  Music  through- 
out the  Archdiocese.  His  directions  were  executed  by 
Community  Supervisors  of  Music  who  represented  in 
the  field  of  Music  the  same  policies  and  attitudes  as  the 
Community  Supervisors  mentioned  above  in  the  general 
field  of  education. 

The  work  of  the  Community  Supervisors  in  Music 
has  been  productive  of  excellent  results.  Pupils  in 
Parochial  Schools  to-day  receive  a very  satisfactory 
training  in  the  theory  and  practice  of  music.  Much  of 
the  improvement  in  results  has  been  due  to  the  impetus 
given  by  a more  thorough  and  constant  supervision  of 
this  important  subject. 

The  Organization  of  the  Curriculum 

In  September  1915  the  first  attempt  was  made  to 
unify  the  work  in  the  elementary  grades  of  Parochial 

[41] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Schools  of  the  Archdiocese.  To  develop  a spirit  of 
unity  of  action,  to  lessen  the  difficulties  caused  by  lack 
of  general  uniformity,  an  Outline  of  Requirements  in 
Religion,  English,  History,  Geography,  Arithmetic  and 
Physiology,  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  every  teacher. 
This  Outline  set  dowm  briefly  certain  work  to  be  ac- 
complished in  each  Grade  from  the  first  to  the  eighth 
in  the  subjects  mentioned  above. 

The  Outline  was  drawn  up  with  the  assistance  of  the 
Community  Supervisors  of  Schools.  The  immediate 
result  was  a new  consciousness  in  every  teacher  of  the 
Diocese  of  a work-together  spirit  and  of  a new  life  in 
the  school  organization  through  this  clearly  defined 
unity  of  purpose  in  the  important  subjects  of  every- 
day classroom  life. 

The  experience  of  eight  years  with  the  original  Out- 
line of  Requirements  has  established  its  value  and  im- 
portance. With  this  experience  in  the  use  of  the  Out- 
line new  needs  began  to  reveal  themselves.  During  the 
school  year  1921-1922  suggestions  were  asked  from  Com- 
munity Supervisors,  Superiors  of  Schools  and  teachers 
of  the  grades  for  the  improvement  of  the  original  Out- 
line. With  these  suggestions  in  hand  the  Community 
Supervisors  began  the  preparation  of  a new  Course  of 
Study  for  use  in  Parochial  elementary  schools. 

With  the  approval  of  the  Cardinal  Archbishop  of 
Boston  this  course  was  ready  for  distribution  from  the 
office  of  the  Diocesan  Supervisor  of  Schools  in  Novem- 
ber 1923.  It  presents  ample  evidence  of  development. 
It  is  more  complete  in  detail  and  in  references  for 
teachers  and  pupils.  It  sets  forth  requirements  in  every 

[42] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


subject  ordinarily  taught  in  elementary  schools.  The 
Course  treats  of  the  curriculum  in  Religion,  English, 
Arithmetic,  History,  Civics,  Patriotism,  Geography, 
Music,  Drawing,  Physical  Training  and  Physiology  and 
Hygiene. 

There  is  no  doubt  that  this  course  of  study  in  the 
hands  of  the  teachers  of  Parochial  Schools  will  accomp- 
lish a great  good  in  the  improvement  of  the  service  of 
the  school  in  the  lives  of  its  pupils.  The  work  in 
Religion  has  been  developed  for  the  benefit  of  teachers 
and  pupils.  In  English  a new  emphasis  has  been  placed 
on  Literature.  Particular  attention  has  been  given  to 
the  proper  teaching  of  American  History,  Civics  and 
Patriotism  to  meet  the  duties  and  responsibilities  which 
life  in  the  United  States  places  on  every  individual. 

The  Course  of  Study  serves  a purpose  quite  independ- 
ent of  its  value  to  teacher  and  pupil.  If  there  are  those 
who  would  learn  from  an  authoritative  source  of  the 
principles,  the  spirit  and  the  aims  of  Catholic  Educa- 
tion, the  Course  of  Study  is  an  open  book  for  reference 
and  consultation.  A cursory  reading  of  this  Course  used 
in  Parochial  Schools  forces  one  to  the  conclusion  that 
the  Parochial  School  is  making  a distinctive  contribution 
to  the  work  of  Holy  Mother  Church  and  to  the  life  of 
our  American  Democracy. 

Uniform  Tests 

With  the  diocesan  school  organization  unified  by  the 
cooperative  effort  of  Community  Supervisors  and  the 
Diocesan  Supervisor  in  carrying  into  operation  the  pro- 
gram of  the  Outline  of  Requirements,  the  next  step 

[43] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


forward  w^as  the  checking  up  of  results.  While  Supe- 
riors of  Schools,  teachers  and  parents  may  differ  in 
appreciation  of  the  educational  value  of  examinations, 
a large  diocesan  school  organization  finds  the  uniform 
test  of  considerable  value.  From  1908  to  the  present 
time  every  pupil  graduating  from  the  elementary  grades 
of  Parochial  Schools  has  been  obliged  to  take  a uniform 
test  issued  from  the  office  of  the  Diocesan  Supervisor 
of  Schools. 

In  1919  a system  of  uniform  diocesan  tests  for  all 
pupils.  Grades  III  to  VIII  inclusive,  became  part  of 
the  diocesan  program  for  development.  These  uniform 
tests  are  prepared  with  the  assistance  of  the  Community 
Supervisors  of  Schools.  They  cover  the  major  subjects 
in  the  elementary  school  curriculum. 

Each  year  in  June  every  pupil  in  Grades  III  to  VIII 
in  every  Parochial  School  takes  this  uniform  written 
test  arranged  for  his  grade  in  Religion,  English,  Spelling, 
History,  Geography  and  Arithmetic.  The  test  in  ^lusic 
is  prepared  for  each  school  by  the  Community  Super- 
visor of  Music.  In  Grade  III  the  test  in  Religion  and 
Geography  is  oral  and  therefore  not  uniform.  These 
tests  go  each  year  to  practically  50,000  children  enrolled 
Grades  III  to  VIII.  200,000  test  question  papers  are 
printed  and  distributed  from  the  office  of  the  Diocesan 
Supervisor  of  Schools  in  carrying  out  this  diocesan  policy. 

Teachers’  Institutes 

The  Diocesan  Supervisor,  the  Community  Supervisor, 
the  Course  of  Study,  the  Uniform  Tests  may  in  a limited 
sense  be  considered  to  constitute  the  frame  work  of 

[44] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


the  diocesan  school  organization  of  Boston.  Of  them- 
selves they  do  not  always  reach  the  great  soul  of  educa- 
tion which  is  the  spirit  and  the  enthusiasm  of  the  teach- 
ing force. 

In  a great  Archdiocese  with  hundreds  of  religious 
teachers  representing  a great  variety  of  religious  com- 
munities, it  is  not  enough  to  declare  authoritatively  that 
certain  things  must  be  done.  No  school  organization 
can  flourish  unless  teachers  are  shown  how  and  in  what 
spirit  the  great  work  is  to  be  carried  on.  Furthermore, 
the  unity  of  organization  must  be  more  than  a unity  of 
rules  and  regulations.  For  life  and  success  in  a large 
system  of  education,  there  must  be  unity  in  spirit, 
harmony  in  purpose  and  cheerful  cooperation  in  every 
policy. 

In  the  development  of  the  school  work  of  the  Arch- 
diocese of  Boston,  the  necessity  of  keeping  alive  and 
active  the  true  Christian  spirit  in  education  has  been 
constantly  kept  in  view.  The  progress  of  educational 
effort  is  assured  only  when  the  spirit  is  right,  and  the 
right  spirit  is  shared  by  every  contributor  to  the  com- 
mon cause.  In  1910  the  Annual  Teachers’  Institute  was 
established  in  the  school  organization  of  the  Archdiocese 
of  Boston  for  the  development  and  maintenance  of  a 
proper  spirit  of  diocesan  cooperation. 

In  August  of  that  year  His  Eminence,  Cardinal  O’Con- 
nell invited  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Shields  of  the  Catholic 
University  to  give  a course  of  lectures  on  Educational 
Psychology.  The  lectures  were  open  to  all  the  teachers 
of  the  Archdiocese  and  representatives  from  all  the  re- 
ligious communities  were  present.  His  Eminence, 

[4S] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Cardinal  O’Connell  addressed  the  assembled  teachers. 
The  Cardinal  emphasized  the  necessity  for  cordial  co- 
operation on  the  part  of  all  the  contributing  forces  in 
the  advancement  and  development  of  the  educational 
interests  of  the  Archdiocese.  The  attendance  at  this 
first  Institute  which  was  carried  on  for  six  days  averaged 
450  teachers. 

Since  1910  one  week  in  August  of  each  year  has  been 
given  to  the  Annual  Teachers’  Institute.  To  the  In- 
stitute are  invited  leading  Catholic  educators  of  the 
country  who  present  for  study  and  discussion  principles 
of  action  and  methods  of  procedure.  Participation  and 
partnership  in  such  a large  project  awaken  in  teachers 
a fresh  enthusiasm  in  the  face  of  the  difficulties  and 
problems  of  a new  school  year. 

The  Institute  usually  has  on  its  program  a lecture  by 
a Superintendent  of  Parochial  Schools  of  some  other 
Diocese  with  an  enlightening  and  encouraging  message. 
The  outstanding  advantage  is  the  direct  personal  mes- 
sage from  the  Cardinal  Archbishop  who  honors  the  In- 
stitute every  year  with  a highly  appreciated  visit  and 
an  inspiring  conference. 

The  Institute  brings  to  the  religious  teacher  what 
she  as  an  individual  cannot  go  out  and  seek  for  herself. 
It  keeps  the  religious  teacher  in  touch  with  the  best 
in  educational  thought  and  brings  to  her  the  achieve- 
ments of  the  leading  Catholic  educators  of  the  country. 

All  the  twenty  nine  religious  communities  teaching 
in  the  Parochial  Schools  of  the  Archdiocese  are  rep- 
resented at  the  Institute.  They  unite  on  the  common 
platform  of  Catholic  educational  interest.  They  become 

[46] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


better  acquainted  with  one  another  and  the  great  re- 
sultant is  a new  determination  and  compelling  inspira- 
tion to  work  together  for  the  development  and  improve- 
ment of  the  diocesan  school  organization. 

Fourteen  Annual  Teachers’  Institutes  have  been  held 
in  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston.  In  1910  the  average 
daily  attendance  was  450.  In  August  1923  the  average 
daily  attendance  was  900.  The  attendance  at  the  insti- 
tute has  increased  100%  in  thirteen  years  while  the 
teaching  force  has  increased  only  60%.  These  facts 
show  how  eagerly  our  religious  teachers  avail  them- 
selves of  this  opportunity  and  how  convinced  they  are 
of  its  profit  and  value. 

Extension  Courses  for  Religious  Teachers 

In  1919  plans  were  formulated  and  approved  by  the 
Cardinal  Archbishop  of  Boston  to  carry  on  during  the 
school  year  the  spirit  and  purposes  of  the  Annual  In- 
stitute by  offering  to  religious  teachers  further  opportu- 
nities for  professional  study  and  improvement  under 
Catholic  auspices  and  direction.  In  December  of  that 
year  at  the  Cathedral,  Boston,  a course  of  thirty  lectures 
in  Primary  Methodology  was  given  under  the  directions 
of  the  office  of  the  Diocesan  Supervisor  of  Schools  by 
a Catholic  teacher  to  a group  of  500  religious  teachers 
of  the  first  three  elementary  grades. 

In  1920  with  the  cooperation  of  the  School  of  Educa- 
tion at  Boston  College  there  was  inaugurated  an  An- 
nual Course  of  Lectures  on  subjects  educational  given 
at  the  Cathedral,  Boston,  and  attended  by  large  num- 
bers of  teachers  working  in  Parochial  Schools.  In  1921 

[47] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


and  1922  this  extension  course  was  repeated  in  Lawrence 
for  the  convenience  of  teachers  living  at  a distance 
from  Boston. 

During  these  years,  1920,  1921,  1922,  1923  five  courses 
were  conducted  on  the  following  subjects:  Principles 
of  Education,  1920:  Psychology  of  Education,  1920: 
Methods  in  History  and  Geography,  1921:  Methods  in 
Literature,  1922 : Principles  of  Catholic  Education,  1923. 
Boston  College  School  of  Education  has  granted  2654 
certificates  to  religious  teachers  for  satisfactory  attend- 
ance at  these  lectures.  These  certificates  were  granted 
1920-1922  inclusive.  The  Course  of  1923  is  not  yet 
finished. 

In  addition  during  the  same  years  1920-1922  Boston 
College  granted  449  certificates  of  college  credit  for 
attendance  and  satisfactory  thesis  submitted  to  the  col- 
lege authorities.  Since  the  inauguration  of  this  program 
for  professional  study  under  Catholic  direction,  3103 
certificates  have  been  given  to  teachers  in  the  Parochial 
Schools  of  Boston  by  the  School  of  Education  of  Boston 
College  for  satisfactory  work  accomplished. 

The  Annual  Institute  and  the  Extension  Courses  have 
made  a noteworthy  contribution  to  the  development  of 
the  educational  work  of  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston.  The 
Catholicity  of  the  educational  effort  of  the  Diocese  stands 
out  when  all  the  religious  commnuities  unite  for  a study 
of  their  common  problems.  Contact  with  one  another 
is  a special  inspiration,  for  they  recognize  the  great 
consecration  and  holy  purpose  common  to  all,  though 
they  live  under  a different  rule  and  different  tradition. 

[48] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Teachers’  Visiting  Day 

The  religious  spirit  and  the  professional  spirit  of  the 
teaching  force  of  the  Archdiocese  have  been  developed 
through  companionship  and  conference  at  Institutes  and 
Lecture  Courses.  To  these  has  been  added  the  ad  van 
tage  of  contact  in  the  actual  work  of  the  classroom. 
The  practice  of  giving  to  teachers  an  opportunity  to 
visit  one  another  in  the  classroom  and  there  to  observe 
and  to  study  methods  of  procedure  has  become  another 
important  feature  of  their  professional  improvement. 

In  1917,  at  the  direction  of  the  Cardinal  Archbishop 
of  Boston,  the  Annual  Teachers’  Visiting  Day  was  estab- 
lished in  the  Archdiocese.  Each  Parochial  School  is 
closed  one  day  in  the  year  to  allow  the  teachers  to  visit 
other  Parochial  Schools  in  session.  This  practice  has 
brought  the  teachers  into  very  close  and  friendly  pro- 
fessional contact.  The  religious  of  one  community  go 
to  visit  the  teachers  of  another. 

A teacher  with  her  problems  has  on  Visiting  Day  an 
opportunity  to  observe  how  another  teacher  meets  the 
same  situation.  The  Visiting  Day  helps  teachers  to  learn 
from  one  another.  It  stirs  within  all  a new  realization  of 
a great  common  purpose  and  creates  a real  desire  for 
mutual  assistance.  In  these  ways  it  promotes  exceedingly 
the  spirit  of  organization  through  which  Catholic  Edu- 
cation strives  to  attain  its  high  aims  and  purposes. 

Summer  Schools 

The  Annual  Teachers’  Institute  and  Extension  Courses 
of  Boston  College  are  operated  under  the  direction  of 
the  Diocesan  Supervisor  of  Schools.  In  addition  to  these 

149] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


opportunities  offered  by  the  diocesan  organization,  Sum- 
mer Schools  for  teachers  are  conducted  by  a number  of 
religious  communities.  At  Emmanuel  College,  Mt.  St. 
Joseph  Academy,  Sacred  Heart  Academy,  Watertown, 
St.  Raphael’s  Hyde  Park,  during  the  summer  of  1923 
courses  of  college  and  normal  school  grade  were  given 
to  the  teachers  of  the  communities  under  whose  direc- 
tion these  schools  are  conducted. 

In  the  summer  of  1924  Boston  College  organized  a 
Summer  School  offering  college  and  professional  courses 
to  the  religious  teachers  of  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston. 
This  Summer  School  was  inaugurated  through  the  joint 
cooperation  of  the  authorities  of  Boston  College  and  the 
diocesan  school  organization. 

The  establishment  of  these  Summer  courses  will  com- 
plete the  program  developed  gradually  during  the  past 
ten  years  in  the  interest  of  the  professional  study  and 
improvement  of  the  religious  teachers  of  the  Archdiocese 
of  Boston.  All  indications,  strengthened  by  the  ex- 
perience of  the  past,  point  to  a very  successful  outcome 
of  this  latest  but  very  important  step  forward  in  the 
furtherance  of  the  educational  work  of  the  Archdiocese 
of  Boston. 


Course  at  Diocesan  Seminary 
In  1920  a course  in  Principles  of  Education  was  in- 
troduced at  St.  John’s  Ecclesiastical  Seminary,  Brighton, 
the  diocesan  seminary  of  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston. 
The  Diocesan  Supervisor  of  Schools  was  appointed  to 
take  up  this  work  with  the  deacon  class  of  the  seminary. 

It  is  a commonly  acknowledged  fact  that  the  zeal 
of  the  diocesan  clergy,  under  whose  direction  and  sup- 

[SO] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


port  Parochial  Schools  are  established  and  maintained, 
is  responsible  in  no  small  measure  for  the  growth  and 
progress  of  Catholic  education.  In  any  program  of 
development  it  is  natural  to  consider  the  preparation  of 
seminarians  for  this  important  part  of  their  lives  as 
priests.  In  this  spirit  the  work  in  Education  at  the 
Seminary  was  undertaken. 

In  the  work  of  thirty  lecture  hours  an  effort  is  made 
(a)  to  develop  a clear  understanding  of  the  nature  of 
true  education  and  to  indicate  the  opportunities  and 
responsibilities  of  the  Priesthood  in  the  field  of  educa- 
tion: (b)  to  present  the  psychological  principles  under- 
lying successful  teaching:  (c)  to  exemplify  in  the  life 
of  the  parish  school  the  principles  developed  above. 

This  addition  to  the  curriculum  of  the  Diocesan  Sem- 
inary of  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston  is  of  tried  and  proven 
worth  in  the  mind  of  the  Seminary  authorities  and  is 
a great  step  forward  in  the  development  of  the  work  of 
Catholic  education.  The  priests  of  the  present  genera- 
tion must  carry  on  with  enthusiasm  and  skill  the  educa- 
tional traditions  handed  down  to  them  from  the  past. 
To  be  taught  these  traditions,  their  value  and  their 
capacity  for  improvement,  is  the  aim  and  purpose  of 
the  Course  in  Education  given  at  the  Seminary  of 
Boston. 

This  course  takes  a large  place  in  the  constructive 
program  of  constant  development  in  the  field  of  Catholic 
education.  With  priests  of  zeal  and  intelligence,  ready 
and  eager  to  meet  the  problems  of  the  future,  the  out- 
look for  Catholic  education  in  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston 
is  brilliant  in  its  possibilities  for  greater  accomplishment. 

[SI] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Health  Education 

No  attempt  has  been  made  to  comment  in  this  study 
on  progress  in  special  lines  of  school  work.  Policies 
have  been  outlined,  facts  have  been  presented  which 
in  themselves  prove  that  the  children  now  in  attendance 
at  Parochial  Schools  are  receiving  a very  efficient  educa- 
tional service.  Religion,  English,  History,  Civics,  Geog- 
raphy, Mathematics  are  taught  better,  and  therefore 
are  making  a more  effective  contribution  to  the  mental 
and  moral  power  in  the  individual  which  is  his  char- 
acter. A new  emphasis  has  come  on  Music  and  Drawing. 
The  system  of  Penmanship  is  uniform  in  every  classroom. 
These  details  in  education  show  the  results  of  coopera- 
tion and  harmony  developed  in  the  diocesan  program 
during  the  past  sixteen  years. 

In  one  special  department  a definite  reference  to  pro- 
gress is  merited.  The  health  of  school  children  is  a 
common  centre  of  interest  for  all  educators.  The  sound 
mind  in  the  sound  body  is  an  accepted  principle  in 
Catholic  education.  In  the  Parochial  School  organiza- 
tion of  Boston  there  has  been  clear  and  definite  appre- 
ciation of  the  responsibility  of  the  school  in  safeguard- 
ing and  developing  the  physical  life  of  growing  children. 
The  following  facts  are  presented  to  substantiate  this 
statement. 

(1)  In  the  fall  of  1915  the  Cardinal  Archbishop  of 
Boston  directed  the  parish  priests  of  the  Archdiocese 
to  provide  a medical  inspector  for  each  Parochial  School, 
wherever  the  local  public  health  authorities  did  not 
undertake  this  service  for  children  in  Catholic  Schools. 

[52] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


At  the  present  time  the  children  in  attendance  at  Paro- 
chial Schools  have  the  services  of  the  school  doctor  to 
assist  the  teacher  in  the  solution  of  the  health  problems 
which  arise  from  day  to  day. 

(2)  The  new  Course  of  Study  presents  in  detail 
physical  exercises  which  are  to  be  part  of  the  school 
program.  For  many  years  these  exercises  have  been 
carried  on  in  Parochial  Schools.  At  the  present  time 
44  schools  engage  specialists  in  physical  education  to 
direct  teachers  and  pupils  in  this  work.  One  can  see 
in  the  near  future  every  Parochial  School  with  a special 
physical  training  teacher  caring  for  the  physical  develop- 
ment of  pupils. 

(3)  In  September,  1920,  the  St.  Apollonia  Guild  of 
Catholic  dentists  was  organized  in  Boston.  The  great 
objective  of  this  group  of  representative  dentists  was 
to  give  their  services  voluntarily  for  the  benefit  of  pupils 
in  attendance  at  Parochial  Schools.  The  Forsyth  Dental 
Infirmary  for  children  in  Boston  offered  all  the  necessary 
assistance  in  clinic  opportunities. 

The  doctors  of  the  Guild  visit  the  Parochial  Schools 
once  a year  to  examine  the  mouth  conditions  of  every 
pupil.  After  the  examination  the  cases  are  classified. 
The  Guild  sends  a motor  bus  to  the  school  to  convey 
the  children  safely  to  the  Infirmary  and  to  return  them 
to  the  school.  In  the  three  years  of  the  existence  of 
this  Guild  32,949  treatments  including  fillings,  prophy- 
laxis, extractions  and  nose  and  throat  cases  have  been 
given  to  Parochial  School  children  through  the  kindly 
and  efficient  offices  of  this  organization. 

[53] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


No  other  diocese  or  school  organization  in  the  country 
offers  such  a thorough  attention  to  the  dental  care  of 
school  children.  The  Parochial  Schools  of  Boston  are 
proud  indeed  of  the  doctors  of  the  Guild  of  St.  Apollonia. 
Teachers  and  children  are  grateful  beyond  expression 
for  the  interest  and  generosity  of  these  Catholic  members 
of  the  dental  profession. 

(4)  During  the  school  year  1923-1924  the  Parochial 
Schools  of  the  Archdiocese  cooperated  in  the  public 
health  boards  in  cities  and  towns  in  bringing  the  ad- 
vantages of  the  Schick  Test  for  Diphtheria  to  the  chil- 
dren in  attendance.  With  the  permission  of  parents 
20,695  children  were  tested  and  immunized  against  this 
scourge  of  childhood. 

( 5 ) In  every  Parochial  School  the  work  in  physiology 
and  hygiene  is  carried  on  with  great  care.  The  emphasis 
is  on  the  formation  of  health  habits  in  every  day  life. 
The  Catholic  child  knows  that  his  body  is  the  temple 
of  his  soul.  He  is  taught  to  care  for  this  body  intelli- 
gently and  to  safeguard  it  scrupulously  against  the  in- 
road of  disease. 

The  Holy  Childhood  Association 

In  September  1914,  at  the  direction  of  the  Cardinal 
Archbishop  of  Boston,  the  work  of  the  Holy  Childhood 
Association  was  introduced  in  the  Parochial  Schools  of 
the  Archdiocese.  The  task  of  placing  properly  this  new 
missionary  activity  in  the  lives  of  young  children  was 
taken  up  enthusiastically  by  the  religious  teachers. 

For  the  past  seven  years  in  the  annual  reports  of  the 
Holy  Childhood  Association  from  its  national  office  in 

[54] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


the  United  States,  the  children  of  the  Archdiocese  of 
Boston  have  led  every  other  diocese  in  the  country  in 
the  amount  of  their  contributions  to  our  mission  cause. 
Each  year  these  pupils  in  Parochial  Schools  contribute 
thousands  of  dollars  to  help  the  unfortunate  little  ones 
who  live  in  pagan  lands. 

A study  of  growth  and  development  of  Catholic 
Education  reveals  no  more  consoling  source  of  encour- 
agement and  satisfaction  than  the  interest  and  devotion 
of  thousands  of  school  children  in  the  foreign  mission 
cause.  Because  the  children  in  the  Parochial  Schools 
of  Boston  have  proven  their  willingness  to  make  sacri- 
fices, have  shown  their  desire  in  faith  and  love  to  deny 
themselves  that  others  may  receive  blessings,  the  spirit- 
ual value  and  the  power  of  Catholic  Education  in  the 
Archdiocese  are  established  beyond  all  question. 

Conclusion 

The  facts  brought  out  in  a study  of  the  growth  and 
development  of  Catholic  Education  in  the  Archdiocese 
of  Boston  for  the  period  1907-1923  are  most  stimulat- 
ing and  encouraging  . They  are  clearly  indicative  of 
the  strength  and  vigor  of  Catholic  educational  life  in 
Boston  and  a source  of  great  consolation  to  all  advocates 
of  the  Christian  training  of  the  young. 

* To  say  that  the  enrollment  has  increased  by  35,000 
pupils,  that  47  new  Parochial  Schools,  7 Academies,  1 
Preparatory  School  for  Boys  and  a Catholic  College 
for  Women  have  come  into  existence,  that  107  new 
schools  and  convent  buildings  have  been  erected,  that 
982  teachers  have  been  added  to  the  system,  may  convey 

[SSI 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


some  idea  of  what  has  been  accomplished  in  the  measure 
that  statistics  can  present  the  story. 

But  the  work  of  bringing  the  truth  of  God  to  the 
hearts  of  the  children  of  the  Archdiocese,  that  they  may 
have  life  and  have  it  more  abundantly,  is  the  achieve- 
ment for  religion  which  statistics  can  never  express. 

Let  suffice  to  say  that  Catholic  Education  has  been 
carried  on  in  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston  from  1907-1923 
with  surpassing  zeal  and  acknowledged  success.  The 
lives  of  the  children  of  the  Catholic  Church  have  been 
shaped  according  to  the  ideals  of  Her  Divine  Founder, 
and  thus  has  been  laid  a strong  and  enduring  founda- 
tion for  the  growth  and  development  of  future  years. 


[S61 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  I. 

ARCHDIOCESE  OF  BOSTON. 

PAROCHIAL  SCHOOLS 
SUMMARY  OF  CONDITIONS 
School  Year  1907-1908  and  School  Year  1923-1924 

Year  Year  Increase 

1907-1908  1923-1924  1907-1923 


Number  of  Parishes  with 

Parochial  Schools 

Number  of  Parishes  with 
Parochial  High  Schools.  . . . 
Number  Boys  in  Parochial 

Elementary  Schools 

Number  Boys  in  Parochial 

High  Schools 

Total  Boys  in  Parochial 

Schools  

Number  Girls  in  Parochial 

Elementary  Schools 

Number  Girls  in  Parochial 

High  Schools 

Total  Number  of  Girls  in 

Parochial  Schools 

Total  Number  Pupils  in 

Parochial  Schools 

Number  of  Teaching  Com- 
munities   

Number  of  Teaching  Sisters.  . 
Number  of  Teaching  Brothers 
Number  of  Lay  Teachers.  . . . 
Total  Number  of  Teachers  in 

Parochial  Schools 

Number  Graduates  from  Paro- 
chial Elementary  Schools 
Percent  of  Pupils  Enrolled 
Graduating  from  Elemen- 
tary Schools 

Percent  of  Total  Enrollment 
in  High  Schools 


74(a) 

117 

47(a) 

22(b) 

44 

24 

21,646 

36,351 

14,705 

139 

652 

513 

21,785 

37,003 

15,218 

27,706 

40,516 

12,810 

653 

3,610 

2,957 

28,359 

44,126 

15.767 

50,144 

81,129 

30,985 

25 

29 

4 

906 

1,683 

777 

77 

65 

12(c) 

45 

74 

29 

1,028 

1,822 

794 

1,108 

5,398 

4,290 

2.3 

7.3 

5 

1.2 


5.2 


(a)  Three  schools  were  opened  in  1907.  One  school  was  closed 
since  1907  (St.  Stephen’s  School,  Boston,  1912).  Number  of  Parishes 
istablishing  schools  1907-1923  is  47. 

(b)  Two  Parish  High  Schools  closed  since  1907  (St.  Mary,  Stougn- 
;on;  St.  Patrick,  Lowell).  Number  of  High  Schools  established  1907- 
1923  is  24. 

(c)  A decrease  in  number  of  Teaching  Brothers. 


[57] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  II. 

ARCHDIOCESE  OF  BOSTON. 

PREPARATORY  SCHOOLS  AND  ACADEMIES 
GROWTH  AND  DEVELOPMENT 


Name  of  School 

Est. 

1907-1923 

Graduates  of 
Enrolled  High  School 

1907  1923  1907  June 

1908  1924  1908  1923 

Teachers 

1907  1923 

1908  1924 

Boston  College 

High  School . . 

1862 

389 

1,435 

28 

238 

16 

45 

St.  John  Pre- 
paratory School 

1907 

70 

420 

0 

50 

6 

19 

Notre  Dame, 
Lowell 

1852 

145 

253 

16 

28 

14 

22 

Notre  Dame, 
Boston  

1853 

152 

225 

20 

30 

12 

17 

Notre  Dame, 
Roxbury  

1854 

190 

292 

24 

46 

14 

24 

Convent  Sacred 
Heart,  Boston. 

1880 

60 

89 

5 

9 

12 

13 

Mt.  St.  Joseph 
Academy  .... 

1885 

92 

410 

5 

75 

12 

22 

St.  Ann’s  Acad- 
emy   

1888 

198 

251 

12 

12 

8 

14 

Academy  of  As- 
sumption   

1893 

70 

127 

5 

12 

8 

17 

Sacred  Heart 
Academy  .... 

1911 

0 

137 

0 

15 

0 

17 

Marycliff  Acad- 
emy   

1913 

0 

100 

0 

9 

0 

13 

Loring  Villa.  . . . 

1916 

0 

89 

0 

5 

0 

9 

Totals  

(a)l,366 

(b)3,828 

115 

529 

102 

232 

(a)  This  total  enrollment  was  distributed  as  follows:  Ele- 
mentary 496,  High  School  870. 

(b)  This  total  enrollment  is  distributed  as  follows:  Ele- 
mentary 797,  High  School  3,03i. 

Increase  in  number  of  Academies  and  Preparatory 
Schools,  4.  * 

Increase  in  number  of  pupils,  2,462. 

Increase  in  Graduating  Classes,  414. 

Increase  in  number  of  Teachers,  130. 

[S8] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  III. 

ARCHDIOCESE  OF  BOSTON. 

ACADEMIES  OFFERING  ELEMENTARY  SCHOOL 
WORK— GROWTH  AND  DEVELOPMENT 

1907-1923 

Enrollment  Graduates  Teachers 


Name  of  School 

Est 

1907 

1908 

1923 

1924 

1907 

1908 

June 

1923 

1907 

1908 

1923 

1924 

St.  Joseph  Acad- 

emy 

1895 

70 

120 

5 

18 

6 

9 

St.  Dominic  Acad- 

emy 

1917 

0 

102 

0 

6 

0 

9 

St.  Clement  School 

1922 

0 

55 

0 

4 

0 

3 

St.  Agnes  School 

for  Girls 

1923 

0 

65 

0 

0 

0 

5 

Sacred  Heart 

Boarding  School 

1923 

0 

152 

0 

0 

0 

6 

Totals  

. 70 

494 

5 

28 

6 

32 

Increase  in  number  of  Academies,  4. 
Increase  in  number  of  Pupils,  424. 
Increase  in  number  of  Teachers,  26. 


Table  IV. 

ARCHDIOCESE  OF  BOSTON. 


CATHOLIC  COLLEGES 
GROWTH  AND  DEVELOPMENT 
1907-1923 


Students  Graduates  Faculty 


1907 

1923 

1907 

June 

1907 

1923 

Name  of  College 

Est. 

1908 

1924 

1908 

1923 

1908 

1924 

Boston  College .... 

1863 

170 

978 

28 

145 

17 

42 

Emmanuel  College 

1919 

0 

171 

0 

35 

0 

24 

Totals 

170 

1,149 

28 

180 

17 

66 

Increase  in  Colleges,  1. 

Increase  in  number  of  Students  of  Catholic  Colleges,  979. 
Increase  in  number  of  Graduates,  162. 

Increase  in  number  of  Faculty  Members,  49. 


[59] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  V. 

ARCHDIOCESE  OF  BOSTON. 

PAROCHIAL  SCHOOLS 
PARISHES  ESTABLISHING  SCHOOLS 
1907-1923 

Year  of  Enrollment  September,  1923 

Establish-  Elementary  High  Teachers 


Name  of  Parish 

ment 

Boys 

Girls  Boys  Girls  Relig. 

Boston 

Cathedral 

1911 

182 

213 

9 

St.  Joseph 

1908 

244 

250 

. . 

12 

St.  John 

1911 

175 

252 

8 

Roxbury 

St.  Francis  de 
Sales  

1914 

293 

346 

13 

South  Boston 

St.  Eulalia 

1912 

401 

333 

144 

18 

Charlestown 

St.  Catherine . . . 

1911 

303 

358 

14 

Dorchester 

St.  Ann 

1910 

217 

230 

9 

St.  Margaret.  . . 

1910 

564 

625 

90 

28 

St.  Gregory.  . . . 

1916 

339 

368 

39 

17 

St.  Mark 

1923 

56 

51 

. . 

2 

Jamaica  Plain 

Our  Lady  of 
Lourdes  .... 

1916 

180 

213 

8 

Roslindale 

Sacred  Heart... 

1916 

183 

213 

8 

Allston 

St.  Anthony.  . . . 

1921 

163 

151 

.. 

6 

Brighton 

Lady  of  Presen- 
tation   

1923 

26 

20 

2 

Readville 

St.  Ann 

1919 

170 

180 

7 

Andover 

St.  Augustine . . 

1914 

140 

137 

10 

Cambridge 

St.  John 

1913 

485 

509  68 

103 

26 

St.  Hedwig 

1914 

358 

349 

11 

Blessed  Sacra- 
ment   

1921 

88 

92 

. . 

3 

[60] 

DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  V — Continued 

Year  of  Enrollment  September,  1923 

Establish-  Elementary  High  Teachers 
Name  of  Parish  ment  Boys  Girls  Boys  Girls  Relig.  Lay 
Chelsea 


Assumption  . . . 
Everett 

Immaculate  Con- 

1912 

93 

105 

* • 

7 

ception  

Hudson 

1921 

172 

187 

9 

St.  Michael 

Lawrence 

1918 

181 

180 

• • 

9 

Holy  Rosary.  . . 

1909 

311 

363 

« • 

• • 

9 

Holy  Trinity.  . . 
Lowell 

1915 

326 

337 

• • 

♦ • 

10 

St.  Louis 

Notre  Dame  de 

1907 

504 

576 

• • 

29 

21 

Lourdes  

1908 

188 

224 

• • 

• • 

9 

St.  Peter 

1913 

428 

441 

• • 

• • 

17 

St.  Jeanne  d'Arc 

1922 

152 

320 

• • 

• • 

8 

St.  Stanislaus.  . 
Lynn 

1907 

213 

284 

• • 

• • 

8 

St.  Michael.  . . . 
Marlboro 
Immaculate  Con- 

1918 

174 

160 

4 

ception  

Malden 

1911 

226 

199 

• • 

• • 

9 

Sacred  Heart.  . . 
Melrose 

1908 

402 

449 

• • 

105 

20 

St.  Mary 

Newton 

1909 

225 

266 

• • 

54 

11 

Sacred  Heart... 
Quincy 

1923 

56 

74 

• • 

• • 

4 

St.  John 

Revere 

Immaculate  Con- 

1910 

221 

209 

10 

ception  

Salem 

1913 

232 

238 

42 

60 

15 

St.  John  Baptist 

1908 

292 

346 

. . 

• • 

9 

St.  Ann 

Shirley 

1908 

203 

227 

• • 

• • 

8 

St.  Anthony.  . . . 
Somerville 

1907 

74 

94 

• • 

• • 

4 

St.  Ann 

West  Somerville 

1914 

258 

306 

• • 

• 

13 

St.  Clement.  . . . 

1919 

346 

[61] 

377 

■■ 

16 

DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  V — Concluded 

Year  of  Enrollment  September,  1923 

Establish-  Elementary  High  Teachers 


Name  of  Parish 

ment 

Boys 

Girls  Boys  Girls  Relig.  Lay 

Stoneham 

St  Patrick 

1910 

198 

203 

45 

10 

Swampscott 

St.  John 

1922 

75 

93 

6 

Waltham 

St.  Charles 

1911 

235 

271  15 

71 

11 

1 

Weymouth 
Immaculate  Con- 
ception   

1923 

12 

9 

2 

Sacred  Heart . . . 

1915 

127 

139  4 

16 

8 

. • 

Winchester 

St.  Mary 

1914 

181 

183 

49 

12 

Totals  

.10,778 

11,749  129 

805 

499 

13 

Total  number  of  Parishes,  47. 

Total  Pupils  Enrolled  September,  1923,  23,661. 
Total  Teachers  September,  1923,  512. 


INCREASE  IN  NUMBER  OF  PARISHES  WITH  SCHOOLS 

By  Years 

1907- 1908  3 1915-1916  2 

1908- 1909  5 1916-1917 

1909- 1910  2 1917-1918  

1910- 1911 4 1918-1919 

1911- 1912  5 1919-1920  2 

1912- 1913  2 1920-1921 0 

1913- 1914 ' 3 1921-1922  3 

1914- 1915  5 1922-1923 2 

1923-1924 4 


[62] 


CO  © (N 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  VI. 

ARCHDIOCESE  OF  BOSTON. 
PAROCHIAL  SCHOOLS 


PARISHES  ERECTING  NEW  SCHOOL  BUILDINGS 

1907-1923 


Year 

Number 

Name  of  Parish 

of  Building 

of  Rooms 

Boston 

Cathedral  

1911 

10 

Roxbury 

Holy  Trinity  

1913 

8 

St.  Francis  de  Sales 

1913 

12 

South  Boston 

Gate  of  Heaven 

1923 

24 

St.  Augustine  

1921 

9 

Our  Lady  of  Czenstochowa . . 

1911 

11 

St.  Eulalia 

12 

Charlestown 

St.  Francis  de  Sales 

1912 

2 

St.  Catherine 

1911 

9 

Dorchester 

St.  Peter 

5 

St.  Ann  

1910 

8 

St.  Margaret  

1910 

18 

St.  Margaret  

1923 

12 

St.  Gregory  

1916 

16 

St.  Mark 

1922 

19 

Jamaica  Plain 

St.  Thomas 

8 

Our  Lady  of  Lourdes 

1916 

12 

Roslindale 

Sacred  Heart 

1916 

8 

Allston 

St.  Anthony  

12 

Amesbury 

Sacred  Heart 

1910 

10 

Andover 

St.  Augustine  

1917 

8 

Brockton 

St.  Patrick  

1922 

14 

Brookline 

St.  Mary 

1907 

12 

[63] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  VI — Continued 


Year 

Name  of  Parish  of  Building 

Cambridge 

St.  Mary 1915 

St.  John  1917 

St.  John  1921 

Chelsea 

St.  Rose  1910 

Assumption  1918 

St.  Stanislaus  1919 

Everett 

Immaculate  Conception  1921 

Gloucester 

St.  Ann 1914 

Haverhill 

St.  Joseph  1912 

Hudson 

St.  Michael  1918 

Lawrence 

St.  Mary 1910 

St.  Mary 1922 

Holy  Rosary  1919 

St.  Lawrence 1923 

St.  Ann 1910 

St.  Ann  (School  at  Methuen) ....  1913 

St.  Patrick 1912 

Holy  Trinity  1915 

Lowell 

St.  Michael 1923 

Sacred  Heart  1909 

St.  Louis  1907 

St.  Louis  1916 

St.  Peter  1912 

Lynn 

St.  Mary 1923 

St.  Michael 1923 

Malden 

Immaculate  Conception  1923 

Sacred  Heart 1911 

Marlboro 

Immaculate  Conception  1911 

West  Somerville 

St.  Clement  1919 

St.  Clement  1923 

Melrose 

St.  Mary 1908 

[64] 


Number 
of  Rooms 

18 

12 

8 

14 
2 

10 

16 

6 

10 

8 

16 

3 

13 

4 

18 

4 

8 

10 

16 

9 

9 

9 

15 

8 

4 

10 

20 

8 

14 
12 

11 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Name  of  Parish 
Newton 


Table  VI — Concluded 

Year  Number 

of  Building-  of  Rooms 


Our  Lady 

1923 

12 

Sacred  Heart 

Peabody 

1923 

12 

St.  John  

Quincy 

1916 

18 

St.  John  

Revere 

1910 

10 

Immaculate  Conception  

Salem 

1913 

12 

St.  James 

1907 

18 

St.  Joseph 

Somerville 

1921 

10 

St.  Joseph 

1909 

9 

St.  Ann 

Stoneham 

1915 

12 

St.  Patrick 

Swampscott 

1910 

8 

St.  John  

Waltham 

1922 

12 

St.  Mary  

1922 

15 

St.  Charles 

1910 

12 

St.  Joseph  

Winchester 

1910 

7 

St.  Mary  

Woburn 

1914 

8 

St.  Charles  

Weymouth 

1921 

10 

Immaculate  Conception  1923 

Total  Parishes  erecting  New  School  Buildings,  65. 
Total  number  New  Buildings,  71. 

Total  Classrooms  in  New  Buildings,  777. 

8 

[65] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  VII. 

ARCHDIOCESE  OF  BOSTON. 
PAROCHIAL  SCHOOLS 

Parishes  Increasing  School  Accommodations  by  Addi- 
tions to  Buildings  or  Purchase  of  Buildings 
Adapted  for  School  Purposes 
1907-1923 


Year  of 

Number 

Name  of  Parish 

Improvement 

of  Rooms 

Boston 

St.  Joseph  

1908 

S 

St.  Joseph  (bought  building) 

1923 

2 

St.  Anthony  (addition) 

1923 

3 

Roxbury 

St.  Patrick 

1909 

4 

St.  Patrick 

1917 

4 

St.  Joseph  

1920 

4 

South  Boston 

St.  Eulalia 

1918 

9 

East  Boston 

Assumption  

1921 

2 

Charlestown 

St.  Mary  

1912-1922 

8 

St.  Catherine 

1914 

2 

Brighton 

St.  Columbkille 

1912 

3 

St.  Columbkille 

1914 

1 

Our  Lady  of  Presentation . . . 

1923 

2 

Hyde  Park 

Most  Precious  Blood 

1909 

6 

Most  Precious  Blood 

1921 

1 

Arlington 

St.  Agnes 

1920 

3 

Brookline 

St.  Mary 

1921 

7 

Cambridge 

St.  Paul  

1915 

2 

Sacred  Heart 

1911 

5 

St.  Hedwig 

1914 

8 

Blessed  Sacrament 

1921 

3 

Canton 

St.  John  

1917 

3 

[66] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  VII- 

-Concluded 

Year  of 

Number 

Name  of  Parish 

Improvement 

of  Rooms 

Chelsea 

Assumption  

1912 

3 

Lawrence 

St.  Mary  (St.  Rita  School). 

1908 

6 

Lowell 

Immaculate  Conception  . . . 

1916 

6 

Immaculate  Conception  . . . 

1922 

4 

St.  John  Baptist 

1919 

2 

Our  Lady  of  Lourdes 

1908 

4 

Our  Lady  of  Lourdes 

4 

Our  Lady  of  Lourdes.  . . . . 

1923 

1 

St.  Stanislaus 

1907 

8 

St.  Jeanne  d’Arc 

1922 

8 

Lynn 

Sacred  Heart 

1917 

4 

St.  John  Baptist 

1911 

6 

Salem 

St.  John  Baptist 

1908 

7 

St.  Ann 

1920 

3 

Somerville 

St.  Joseph  

1922 

2 

Shirley 

St.  Anthony 

1907 

3 

Weymouth 

Sacred  Heart 

8 

Number  of  Parishes  increasing  School  Accommodations,  32. 
Number  of  Classrooms  added.  169. 


[67] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  VIII. 

ARCHDIOCESE  OF  BOSTON. 
PAROCHIAL  SCHOOLS 

Parishes  Building  New  Convents  for  Religious  Teachers 

in  Parochial  Schools. 


1907-1923 

Year  of 

Name  of  Parish 

Location 

Building 

Cathedral 

Boston 

1913 

St.  Patrick 

Roxbury 

1917 

St.  Joseph 

Roxbury 

1917 

Sts.  Peter  & Paul 

South  Boston 

1909 

Sacred  Heart 

East  Boston 

1912 

St,  Catherine 

Charlestown 

1911 

St.  Margaret 

Dorchester 

1914 

St.  Gregory 

Dorchester 

1921 

St.  Columbkille 

Brighton 

1923 

St.  Patrick 

Brockton 

1916 

St.  Mary 

Cambridge 

1908 

St.  Peter 

Cambridge 

1907 

St.  John 

Canton 

1922 

St.  Stanislaus 

Chelsea 

1917 

Sacred  Heart 

Lawrence 

1920 

St,  Patrick 

Lawrence 

1908 

St.  John  Baptist 

Lowell 

1911 

St.  Louis 

Lowell 

1909 

Sacred  Heart 

Malden 

1917 

St.  Joseph 

Salem 

1910 

St.  Ann 

Salem 

1921 

St.  Ann 

Somerville 

1923 

St.  Mary 

Waltham 

1923 

Twenty-three  new  Convent  Buildings. 


[68] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  IX. 

ARCHDIOCESE  OF  BOSTON. 
PAROCHIAL  SCHOOLS 

Parishes  Improving  Convents  for  Teachers  by  Enlarging 
Buildings  or  by  Purchase  of  Buildings  to  Be 
Adapted  to  Convent  Purposes. 

1907-1923 


Year  of 


Name  of  Parish 

Location 

Improvement 

Holy  Trinity 

Boston 

1923 

St.  Francis  de  Sales 

Roxbury 

1917 

St.  Eulalia 

South  Boston 

1918 

St.  Mary 

Charlestown 

1910 

St.  Ann 

Dorchester 

1911 

Sacred  Heart 

Roslindale 

1910 

St.  Ann 

Readville 

1922 

Sacred  Heart 

Amesbury 

1923 

St.  Augustine 

Andover 

1914 

St.  Agnes 

Arlington 

1920 

St.  Paul 

Cambridge 

1915 

St.  John 

Cambridge 

1913 

St.  John 

Cambridge 

1915 

St.  John 

Cambridge 

1921 

St.  Hedwig 

Cambridge 

1916 

St.  Rose 

Chelsea 

1917 

Immaculate  Conception 

Everett 

1921 

St.  Michael 

Hudson 

1918 

St.  Lawrence 

Lawrence 

1923 

Holy  Trinity 

Lawrence 

1919 

St.  Ann  (Convent  at  Methuen) 

Lawrence 

1928 

St.  Patrick 

Lowell 

1922 

Notre  Dame  de  Lourdes 

Lowell 

1923 

St.  Peter 

Lowell 

1913 

St.  Stanislaus 

Lowell 

1910 

St.  John  Baptist 

Lynn 

1907 

St.  Michael 

Lynn 

1920 

Immaculate  Conception 

Marlboro 

1911 

St.  Clement 

West  Somerville 

1919 

St.  Mary 

Melrose 

1909 

St.  Louis 

Newburyport 

1923 

Sacred  Heart 

Newton 

1923 

St.  John 

Quincy 

1910 

[69] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  IX— 

-Concluded 

Year  of 

Name  of  Parish 

Location 

Improvement 

Immaculate  Conception 

Revere 

191S 

St.  John  Baptist 

Salem 

1910 

St.  Joseph 

Somerville 

1921 

St.  Patrick 

Stoneham 

1911 

St.  John 

Swampscott 

1922 

St.  Charles 

Waltham 

1911 

St.  Patrick 

Watertown 

1909 

Immaculate  Conception 

Weymouth 

1923 

Sacred  Heart 

Weymouth 

1913 

St.  Mary 

Winchester 

1914 

Number  of  Parishes,  41. 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  X. 


ARCHDIOCESE  OF  BOSTON. 
PAROCHIAL  SCHOOLS 

PARISHES  ESTABLISHING  HIGH  SCHOOLS 

1907-1923 


Year  of 

Name  of  Parish  Establishment 

Roxbury 

Holy  Trinity  1918 

South  Boston 

St.  Eulalia 1917 

Dorchester 

St.  Peter 1910 

St.  Margaret  1918 

St.  Gregory  1923 

Brighton 

St.  Columbkille 1912 

Amesbury 

Sacred  Heart 1921 

Brookline 

St.  Mary 1920 

Cambridge 

St.  Paul  1923 

St.  John  1921 

Canton 

St.  John  1917 

Lawrence 

St.  Ann 1910-1920 

Lowell 

Immaculate  Conception  1922 

St.  John  Baptist  1920 

St.  Louis 1918 

Lynn 

St.  John  Baptist  1919 

Malden 

Immaculate  Conception  1908 

Sacred  Heart  1912 

Melrose 

St.  Mary 1913 

Revere 

Immaculate  Conception  1921 


Pupils 

Enrolled 

1923 

32 

144 

94 

90 

39 

35 

12 

97 

45 

103 

42 

61 

69 

47 

29 

35 

153 

105 

54 

102 


[71] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  X — Concluded 


Name  of  Parish 

Year  of 
Establishment 

Pupils 

Enrolled 

1923 

Stoneham 

St.  Patrick 

1916 

45 

Waltham 

St.  CHajrles  

1916 

86 

Weymouth 

Sacred  Heart 

1923 

20 

Winchester 

St.  Mary 

1921 

49 

Parishes  establishing  High  Schools,  1907-1923,  24. 
Pupils  enrolled  September,  1923,  1578. 


Table  XI. 

ARCHDIOCESE  OF  BOSTON. 
PAROCHIAL  SCHOOLS 
Number  of  Graduates  From  Elementary  Schools 


Number 

Graduates  Parochial 

School  Year  Elementary  Schools 

1907- 1908  1,108 

1908- 1909  1,806 

1909- 1910  2,017 

1910- 1911 2,232 

1911- 1912 2,498 

1912- 1913 2,783 

1913- 1914 2,829 

1914- 1915 3,170 

1915- 1916 3,630 

1916- 1917 3,758 

1917- 1918 3,795 

1918- 1919 3,887 

1919- 1920  4,298 

1920- 1921  4,196 

1921- 1922  5,308 

1922- 1923  5,398 


Total  52,713 


[72] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  XII. 

ARCHDIOCESE  OF  BOSTON. 

Parishes  With  Schools — Date  of  Establishment  of 
Parochial  Schools  1844-1906 


YEARS  1844-1875 

Date  of 


Name  of  Parish 

Location 

Establishment 

Cathedral  Sanctuary  Choir* 

Boston 

1870 

Holy  Trinity 

Boston 

1844' 

St.  Mary 

Boston 

1847  ’ 

St.  Stephen 

Boston 

1872 

Sts.  Peter  & Paul 

South  Boston 

1860 

Gate  of  Heaven 

South  Boston 

1875 

Holy  Redeemer 

East  Boston 

1859 

Assumption 

East  Boston 

1872 

St.  Thomas 

Jamaica  Plain 

1873 

St.  Rose 

Chelsea 

1872 

St.  Mary 

Cambridge 

1875 

St.  Mary 

Lawrence 

1849 

St.  Patrick 

Lowell 

1852 

St.  Mary 

Salem 

1855 

St.  James 

Salem 

1852 

♦Not  a Parochial  School.  School  for  Choir  Boys  only. 
Fourteen  Parochial  Schools. 

YEARS 

1876-1890 

St.  James 

Boston 

1880 

St.  Patrick 

Roxbury 

1887 

St.  Joseph 

Roxbury 

1889 

Our  Lady  of  Perpetual  Help 

Roxbury 

1889 

Sacred  Heart 

East  Boston 

1884 

St.  Mary 

East  Boston 

1885 

Most  Precious  Blood 

Hyde  Park 

1888 

St.  Joseph 

Amesbury 

1885 

St.  Agnes 

Arlington 

1888  . 

St.  Patrick 

Brockton 

1887 

St.  Paul 

Cambridge 

1889 

St.  John 

Canton 

1884 

St.  Ann 

Gloucester 

1885 

St.  James 

Haverhill 

1887 

St.  Joseph 

Haverhill 

1888 

St.  Lawrence 

Lawrence 

1890 

St.  Ann 

Lawrence 

1886 

Immaculate  Conception 

Lowell 

1880 

[ 73  ] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


TABLE  XII.  YEARS  1876-1890 — Concluded 

Date  of 


Name  of  Parish 

Location 

Establishment 

St.  John  Baptist 

Lowell 

1883  ' 

St.  Michael 

Lowell 

1889 

St.  Mary 

Lynn 

1881  - 

Immaculate  Conception 

Malden 

1881'^ 

St.  Anthony 

Marlboro 

1887 

Immaculate  Conception 

Newburyport 

1882- 

Our  Lady 

Newton 

1892 

St.  Joseph 

Salem 

1886 

St.  Joseph 

Somerville 

1880 

St.  Mary 

Stoughton 

1885 

St.  Joseph 

Waltham 

1888 

St.  Patrick 

Watertown 

1888 

St.  Charles 

Woburn 

1884  - 

Thirty-one  Parochial  Schools. 

YEARS 

1891-1906 

St.  Anthony 

Boston 

1902 

St.  John 

Roxbury 

1891 

Blessed  Sacrament 

Roxbury 

1893 

St.  Augustine 

South  Boston 

1895 

St.  Mary 

South  Boston 

1906 

St.  Francis  de  Sales 

Charlestown 

1891 

St.  Mary 

Charlestown 

1902 

St.  Peter 

Dorchester 

1898 

St.  Columbkille 

Brighton 

1901 

Sacred  Heart 

Amesbury 

1903 

Sacred  Heart 

Brockton 

1902 

St.  Mary 

Brockton 

1899 

Our  Lady  of  Pity 

Cambridge 

1900 

St.  Peter 

Cambridge 

1901 

Sacred  Heart 

Cambridge 

1902 

St.  Stanislaus 

Chelsea 

1905 

Sacred  Heart 

Lawrence 

1899 

St.  Patrick 

Lawrence 

1906 

Sacred  Heart 

Lowell 

1892 

St.  Joseph 

Lynn 

1899 

Sacred  Heart 

Lynn 

1902 

St.  Patrick 

Lynn 

1906 

St.  John  Baptist 

Lynn 

1900 

St.  Aloysius 

Newburyport 

1906 

St.  John 

Peabody 

1893 

St.  Joseph 

Waltham 

1895 

Twenty-six  Parochial  Schools. 

Total  Parochial  Schools,  1844-1906,  71. 

[74] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  XIII 

ARCHDIOCESE  OF  BOSTON. 
PAROCHIAL  SCHOOLS 
Number  of  Classrooms  in  Parochial  Schools 
School  Year  1905-1906 

Number  of 
Classrooms 
School  Year 

Name  of  Parish  1905-1906 

Boston 

Cathedral  Sancturay  Choir  School* 2 

Holy  Trinity,  Boston  5,  South  Boston  3,  Roxbury  5.  13 

St.  Mary 15 

St.  James  5 

St.  Anthony 8 

St.  Stephen  5 

Roxbury 

St.  Patrick 15 

St.  Joseph  11 

Our  Lady  of  Perpetual  Help 31 

St.  John  10 

Blessed  Sacrament 16 

South  Boston 

Sts.  Peter  & Paul  20 

Gate  of  Heaven 11 

St.  Augustine 17 

St.  Mary 2 

East  Boston 

Holy  Redeemer 20 

Assumption  18 

Sacred  Heart 18 

St.  Mary 10 

Charlestown 

St.  Francis  de  Sales  18 

St.  Mary  8 

Dorchester 

St.  Peter 15 

Jamaica  Plain 

St.  Thomas 15 

Brighton 

St.  Columbkille  12 

Hyde  Park 

Most  Precious  Blood  18 


[ 75] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  XIII — Continued 


Name  of  Parish 
Amesbury 

St,  Joseph 

Sacred  Heart  

Arlington 

St.  Agnes  

Brockton 

St.  Patrick 

Sacred  Heart 

Brookline 

St,  Mary 

Cambridge 

St.  Mary 

St.  Paul  

Our  Lady  of  Pity  .... 

St.  Peter 

Sacred  Heart  

Canton 

St.  John  

Chelsea 

St.  Rose  

St,  Stanislaus  

Gloucester 

St.  Ann  

Haverhill 

St.  James 

St.  Joseph  

Lawrence 

St.  Mary 

St.  Lawrence  

St.  Ann  

Sacred  Heart 

St,  Patrick  

Lowell 

St.  Patrick  

Immaculate  Conception 

St.  John  Baptist  

St.  Michael 

Sacred  Heart 

Lynn 

St.  Mary 

St.  Joseph 


Number  of 
Classrooms 
School  Year 
1905-1906 

10 

5 

5 

12 

6 

7 

34 

16 

6 

10 

8 

8 

18 

2 

5 

25 

13 

27 

4 

25 

12 


17 

9 

33 

9 

8 

20 

14 


[76] 


DIOCESAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM 


Table  XIII — Concluded 

Number  of 
Classrooms 
School  Year 

Name  of  Parish  1905-1906 

Lynn — Continued 

Sacred  Heart 6 

St.  Patrick  8 

St.  John  Baptist  11 

Malden 

Immaculate  Conception 23 

Marlboro 

St.  Anthony  6 

Newburyport 

Immaculate  Conception  11 

St.  Aloysius  4 

Newton 

Our  Lady 20 

Peabody 

St.  John  12 

Salem 

St.  James  8 

St.  Mary 18 

St.  Joseph  18 

Somerville 

St.  Joseph  34 

Stoughton 

St.  Mary 7 

Waltham 

St.  Mary  18 

St.  Joseph  3 

Watertown 

St.  Patrick  11 

Woburn 

St.  Charles 17 


*A  school  for  Choir  Boys  only.  Not  a Parochial  School. 
Total  number  of  Parishes  with  Parochial  Schools,  71. 
Total  number  of  Classrooms,  941. 


[77] 


s 


I 


/ 


‘ 1 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


SEEING  THE  ARCHDIOCESE 
BY  AUTOMOBILE 


Notable  Increase  of  Buildings,  Churches, 
Schools,  Convents,  Rectories,  Hospitals, 
etc.  during  past  15  years. 

BY  Rev.  John  J.  Ryan,  I.  P.  P. 

Some  three  or  four  years  ago,  during  the  summer, 
there  convened  at  Harvard  University,  apart  from  the 
body  of  students,  a group  of  ministers,  perhaps  one  hun- 
dred all  told.  They  had  come  to  obtain  a common 
understanding  of  their  denominational  teaching,  to  be 
helped  in  the  preparation  for  the  year’s  work  ahead,  and 
to  receive  whatever  information  they  might  by  observ- 
ing, or  by  studies  of  their  own  choosing  on  the  outside. 

They  desired,  evidently,  to  see  what  other  churches 
were  doing.  Most  of  the  Protestant  Churches  in  the 
neighborhood  were  closed  for  the  season,  and,  satisfied 
with  a union  service  for  all,  the  good  men  distributed 
themselves  abroad  in  the  city  and  different  sections, 
afterwards  to  compare  the  results  of  their  experience. 

A good-sized  delegation  visited  the  Parish  Church  and 
attended  studiously  the  successive  Masses,  and  took 
note  of  the  attendance,  methods,  sermons,  and  the  com- 
municants at  each  Mass.  The  children’s  Mass  and  their 
management,  and  the  devotional  prayers  and  singing 

[81] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


especially  interested  them;  so  much  so,  in  fact,  that 
some  sought  out  the  priest  and  inquired  how  the  church 
attendance  was  secured. 

They  were  told  that  Catholics  understood  the  duty 
imposed  by  the  Third  Commandment,  that  the  church 
was  open  each  day  of  the  week,  and  that  almost  every 
day  religious  activities  were  conducted,  besides  the 
Parish  schools  and  Sunday  Schools  for  the  children  and 
youth  of  the  Parish. 

The  passing  minutes  are  registered  upon  the  crystal 
as  the  hands  move  round,  but  who  gives  thought  to  the 
mechanism  and  the  importance  of  the  balance  wheel  to 
the  main  works,  in  order  that  the  watch  may  fulfill  its 
purpose?  Who  considers  the  methods  and  energizing 
force  employed  daily  in  the  conduct  of  the  affairs  of  our 
Archdiocese  ? 

After  the  departure  of  the  ministers  the  thought  came 
to  the  writer  how  little,  after  all,  does  the  best  informed 
Catholic  know  of  his  Archdiocese  and  its  multiple  activi- 
ties. Why  would  it  not  be  most  beneficial  to  see  for 
himself,  as  the  visiting  ministers  had  seen,  the  work  of 
the  parishes  and  institutions?  The  plan  was  simple. 
An  auto  trip  to  the  different  sections  of  the  Archdiocese 
with  eyes  open  to  what  might  come  under  observation, 
and  the  objective  in  mind  to  become  acquainted  with  its 
work  in  each  locality,  might  prove  pleasurable  and 
beneficial. 

The  plan  was  put  into  operation,  and  the  results,  both 
in  the  knowledge  acquired  and  the  scenic  beauty  enjoyed, 
surpassed  the  highest  expectation,  and  in  the  per- 
formance of  his  own  pastoral  duties,  proved  helpful  in 

[82] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


many  ways.  Possibly  a like  auto  visit  might  be  service- 
able to  other  priests  and  even  the  laity  who  often  ride 
out  without  any  objective.  The  mountain  and  seashore 
have  their  place  in  these  trips:  why  not  an  occasional 
study  of  some  part  of  the  Archdiocese? 

As  seen  by  the  writer  on  the  several  visits  he  made, 
and,  at  the  request  of  His  Eminence,  who  is  convinced 
that  the  perusal  of  the  narrative  will  awaken  interest  in 
the  faithful  who  shall  read,  a glimpse  of  our  Archdiocese 
is  now  submitted.  The  progressive  work  everywhere 
will  be  grounds  for  additional  pride  in  all  well-meaning 
Catholics. 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


VISIT  I 

Lowell  and  Vicinity 

The  first  visit  took  a northerly  direction  to  the  City 
of  Lowell.  Geographically,  this  was  the  obvious  choice. 
The  route  by  way  of  the  Tewksbury  state  road,  past  the 
summer  colony  at  Silver  Lake,  is  pleasant  and  ex- 
hilarating. 

We  entered  the  city  through  Rogers  Park,  and,  turn- 
ing a little  to  the  right,  we  stopped  the  auto  on  an 
elevation  in  order  to  view  the  great  Merrimac  River. 
At  this  point  the  view  is  pleasant,  but  there  ahead  are 
the  large  textile  mills  that  have  given  the  city  a world- 
wide reputation  as  an  industrial  centre.  The  mills  rise 
up  from  the  banks  of  the  river,  and  as  we  look  at  them 
we  understand  how  this  beautiful  Merrimac  River,  with 
its  flood  of  water  and  power  of  the  swift  running  cur- 
rent, has  been  the  means,  more  than  any  other  body  of 
water,  of  contributing  to  the  wealth  of  Massachusetts. 
At  every  successive  visit,  its  value,  its  possibilities,  its 
beauty  will  thrust  themselves  upon  one’s  consideration. 

As  we  passed  through  the  centre  of  the  city  as  far  as 
City  Hall,  our  direction  changed  a little  to  the  left,  and, 
presently,  we  alight  at  the  historic  first  Parish  Church, 
that  of  St.  Patrick.  A stately  building  of  stone.  Gothic 
in  form,  with  tall  ascending  steeple  in  front,  houses  the 
sonorous  bell  that  has  summoned  generation  after  gen- 
eration to  worship.  The  church  yard  is  in  front  and 
there  is  a monument  over  the  burial  place  of  the  first 
pastors.  To  one  side  are  the  Notre  Dame  Academy  and 
Convent;  the  boys’  school  and  convent,  now  forsaken 

[84] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


for  a newer  abode  some  short  distance  away ; and  to  the 
third  side  of  the  church  stands  the  rectory,  and  in  close 
proximity  the  working  girls’  home.  A complete  parish, 
one  might  say,  to  the  credit  of  its  founders,  who  pro- 
vided so  well  for  the  future. 

Simultaneously  with  this  thought,  however,  came  the 
realization  that,  conditions  were  so  changed,  that  what 
was  future  had  already  become  past.  The  remembrance 
of  the  fire  that  swept  away,  within  the  decade,  the  first 
church  erected,  leaving  the  walls  only  standing,  recalls 
the  energy  of  the  late  Right  Reverend  Monsignor  Rector, 
who,  undismayed,  set  his  face  to  the  task  of  rebuilding. 
Within  the  period  of  one  year  the  beautiful  church  of  the 
present  day  was  seen.  It  is  a most  serviceable  building, 
the  interior  handsomely  decorated,  spacious  sanctuary 
with  marble  altars,  and  a fine  organ. 

Following  the  erection  of  the  new  church,  the  district 
known  as  Pawtucketville  was  set  aside  as  a new  parish. 
St.  Columba’s  Parish  is  preparing  to  build  a new  church 
to  replace  the  temporary  structure  now  in  use.  Besides 
this  parish,  in  this  self-same  district,  another  was  as- 
signed for  the  French  people. 

The  Right  Reverend  Monsignor  Rector  looked  about 
and  saw  the  dwellings  of  the  original  parishioners  being 
abandoned  by  their  descendants  and  people  of  another 
race  settling  there  instead.  The  golden  dome  of  the 
Greek  Cathedral  directly  opposite  the  church  property 
seemed  to  indicate  that  a condition  known  as  a “run- 
down parish”  was  to  be  the  fate  of  the  old  parish.  The 
question  was : Shall  a stand-fast  policy  be  inaugurated  or 
the  one  of  yielding  to  the  runaway  course  that  has 

[85] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


dimmed  the  past  glory  and  present  usefulness  of  many 
of  the  primal  parishes  of  “ye  olden  days”? 

With  a few  excellent  friends  a committee  was  formed 
who  secured  a grant  of  land  directly  opposite  City  Hall, 
on  which  was  erected  a column  and  bust  of  Lowell’s 
most  illustrious  son,  and  she  has  had  many  distinguished 
men  of  national  fame.  His  Eminence,  Cardinal  O’Connell. 

In  the  busy  life  of  the  city,  the  O’Connell  Parkway  is 
an  attractive  spot,  but  what  seems  more  interesting  is  the 
agitation  to  continue  the  lines  of  the  park,  so  that  the 
locality  immediately  adjoining  will  become  a recreational 
centre.  This  will  beautify  the  neighborhood,  bring  back 
tax  values,  and  reconvert  the  older  dwellings  into  modern 
homes  suitable  for  an  industrious  people.  The  stand-fast 
policy  was  only  begun  when  death  claimed  the  Mon- 
signor. 

The  present  Rector  is  young,  energetic  and  efficient. 
Already,  a new  rectory  is  under  way.  The  former  home 
of  the  priests  has  been  moved  to  a new  location  and  pre- 
pared to  be  used  as  a Parish  House,  where  the  social 
activities  will  have  a centre.  Other  improvements  are 
contemplated,  so  that  an  almost  brand  new  parish  will 
be  seen  by  the  younger  generation. 

As  we  reflect  upon  the  progress  of  the  past  and  the 
advancing  policy  of  the  present,  we  must  admit  that  a 
new  epoch,  which  began  fifteen  years  ago,  is  rising  to 
the  pinnacle  of  its  progressiveness.  With  reverence  we 
regard  the  labors  of  the  founders  of  the  Archdiocese, 
their  names  and  deeds  are  cherished  in  loving  remem- 
brance, but  we  must  also  pay  tribute  to  the  zealous  clergy 
of  today,  who  spare  no  effort  to  conserve  the  traditional 

[86] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


goods  that  have  come  into  their  care.  Awake,  also,  to 
the  various  changes  constantly  taking  place,  they  plan, 
and  labor  and  upbuild  in  such  wise  as  to  meet  the  altera- 
tions. 

The  conservation  of  the  old  and  progress  with  the  new 
make  the  first  lesson  learned  by  the  writer,  and  where 
more  suitable  than  on  the  sacred  soil  of  St.  Patrick’s 
Church,  Lowell? 

Leaving  the  hallowed  precincts  of  the  historic  first 
parish,  we  headed  towards  St.  Peter’s  Parish,  a monu- 
mental church  builded  by  a priest  who  knew  how  to 
build.  The  great  granite  church  and  brick  residence 
facing  the  Court  House,  and  the  parkway  stretching  be- 
hind make  a most  excellent  setting.  How  well  His 
Eminence,  while  Bishop  of  Portland,  made  use  of  this 
fact  in  the  eloquent  sermon,  which  he  delivered  at  the 
dedication  of  the  church ! Like  the  second  generation  of 
pastors,  the  present  Rector  conserved  the  old,  but  did 
great  things  in  the  newer  day. 

St.  Margaret’s  Parish,  now  prosperous  and  preparing 
for  the  upbuilding  of  schools,  was  begun  very  shortly 
after  the  appointment  of  the  present  active  Pastor.  The 
Catholic  orphanage  was  old  and  inadequate  for  the  ever 
growing  demands.  A new  orphanage  was  builded  on 
higher  ground  where  sunlight,  air  and  ample  area  would 
ensure  the  most  healthful  conditions  for  the  waif  and 
abandoned.  The  building  itself  in  equipment,  artistic 
arrangemeni  and  substantial  material  stands  peer  to  any 
institution  of  a similar  nature.  In  addition  a new  school 
of  mod‘  rn  character  was  erected  and  a commodious  con- 
vent was  provided  for  the  good  Sister  Teachers. 

[87] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


Next  to  St.  Peter’s  is  the  church  and  rectory  of  St. 
Anthony,  that  does  good  work  for  the  Portuguese  people 
of  the  city.  St.  Peter’s  is  the  native  parish  of  His 
Eminence.  It  is  a joy  for  him  to  visit  the  scenes  of  his 
boyhood  and  meet  his  former  acquaintances.  He  views 
with  satisfaction  and  justifiable  pride  the  up-to-date 
work  done  in  this  parish. 

Anyone  who  passes  through  Lowell  must  be  attracted 
almost  immediately  by  the  beautiful  Church-  of  the 
Oblate  Fathers.  The  Gothic  edifice  of  granite  is 
Cathedral-like  in  its  proportions  and  beauty  of  design. 
Standing  within  its  iron-fenced  enclosure  and  a great 
stretch  of  garden  lawn,  the  eye  delights  in  viewing  the 
Church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception.  Close  by  are 
the  Fathers’  Rectory,  the  schools  and  convent.  On 
higher  land  than  where  the  church  is  builded  is  the  Hos- 
pital of  St.  John,  a lovely  site,  made  picturesque  by  the 
River  Merrimac  flowing  just  beyond.  The  Oblate 
Fathers  have  made  this  parish  the  home  of  the  Provincial 
of  the  Order.  They  have  just  been  erected  into  an  Eng- 
lish speaking  Province,  and  are  most  successful  in 
conducting  missions.  Their  Novitiate  is  at  Tewksbury, 
just  outside  the  city  limits. 

These  good  Fathers  have  care  also  of  the  fine  Sacred 
Heart  Church,  a short  distance  away  from  the  mother 
church.  This  parish  rejoices  in  its  schools  and  convent. 

As  we  leave  the  southern  district  of  Lowell,  we  return 
by  way  of  Main  Street,  and  we  are  edified  by  the  labors 
of  the  French  Oblate  Fathers,  w’ho  hold  jurisdiction  over 
these  hard  toiling  people.  St.  Jean  Baptiste’s  Church 
appeals  to  the  eye  and  examination  finds  it  one  of  our 

[88] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


best  churches.  There  are  schools  that  provide  instruc- 
tion for  over  two  thousand  children,  nine  hundred  boys 
and  twelve  hundred  girls.  These  French  Oblates  also 
attend  the  French  population  of  Pawtucketville,  the 
second  parish  of  Our  Lady  of  Lourdes,  and  the  third  of 
St.  Jeanne  d’Arc.  Besides,  we  find  the  Holy  Trinity 
Church  with  its  schools  for  the  Poles,  while  the 
Lithuanians  have  dedicated  their  church  under  the 
patronage  of  St.  Joseph. 

Crossing  the  bridge  at  Merrimac  Square  the  church 
and  parochial  buildings  of  St.  Michael  come  into  view. 
Only  six  months  ago  the  splendid  new  school  was  blessed 
and  dedicated.  The  parish  may  well  take  pride  in  this 
structure. 

The  French  congregation  of  St.  Louis  is  a short  dis- 
tance away,  and  the  new  rectory  and  church  enlargement 
are  proofs  of  the  care  of  its  good  pastor. 

Collinsville,  a rural  parish  doing  the  Lord’s  work  out 
on  the  frontier,  is  thriving  and  adequate  to  its  demands. 

It  would  be  a pity  to  depart  from  Lowell  without 
having  made  a visit  to  the  Franco- American  Orphanage. 
The  site  is  the  former  Ayer  estate,  comprising  several 
acres,  fine  buildings  and  a charming  location.  The 
tumbling  on-rushing  waters  of  the  Merrimac  serve  as  a 
lovely  background.  There  are  great  possibilities  in  store 
for  this  orphanage. 

It  is  a short  and  restful  drive  along  the  boulevard  by 
the  banks  of  this  river,  past  Tyngsboro,  where  the  newly 
purchased  estate  of  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  commands 
a striking  situation,  until  one  reaches  North  Chelmsford 
and  Graniteville.  Here  are  two  parishes  with  newly  ap- 

[89] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


pointed  Rectors  who  are  bound  to  improve  upon  and 
excel  in  the  work  at  hand. 

The  visit  to  Lowell  embraced  many  parishes  and  some 
miles  of  travel.  We  were  well  repaid,  and  the  fatigue 
was  never  felt.  We  gloried  that  this  city  of  mills,  dull 
of  aspect,  was  brightened  by  the  churches  and  buildings 
of  the  Catholic  Church  that  has  encouraged  the  study  of 
the  finer  things  of  life.  Not  uselessly  has  she  labored. 
The  auditorium  building,  erected  as  a world  war  me- 
morial, affords  the  opportunity  long  awaited  of  focussing 
the  best  that  art  and  culture  can  supply  for  instruction 
and  enlightenment,  a benefit  not  only  to  the  people  of 
the  city,  but  to  others  for  many  miles  around. 

The  heavens  were  aglow  with  the  sunset  as  we  faced 
homewards,  returning  by  the  Billerica  Road  past  the 
large  St.  Patrick’s  Cemetery. 

North  Billerica  is  a new  parish  and  has  a church  with 
rectory  after  the  mission  style.  The  church  is  strikingly 
builded  at  the  junction  of  several  roads  in  the  heart  of 
the  town. 

The  recreation  time  after  supper  was  spent  in  a recital 
of  the  trip  and  some  of  the  points  noted  were  discussed. 
The  summary  of  the  visit  recorded  six  new  parishes 
erected,  eight  new  rectories  builded,  four  splendid  parish 
schools  built  and  equipped,  two  new  orphanages  and  one 
model  hospital  provided.  The  renovation  and  redecora- 
tion of  several  churches  and  parish  buildings  were  looked 
after  also. 

The  visit  was  profitable  to  the  writer  because  it  put 
spurs  to  his  own  efforts  to  keep  abreast  of  the  onward 
movement,  it  augmented  the  esteem  and  high  apprecia- 

[90] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


tion  he  ever  held  of  his  fellow  priests,  laboring  and  toiling 
quietly  but  steadily  on,  and  it  manifested,  to  a remark- 
able degree,  the  sacrifice  made  by  the  faithful  to  erect 
buildings  of  various  types  to  carry  on  the  religious 
activities  exacted  in  our  times. 

Architecturally  viewed,  the  churches  and  religious 
buildings  of  Lowell,  constructed  for  the  most  part  of 
granite  and  brick,  stand  equal  to  any  similar  set  of  edi* 
fices  in  the  land.  We  marvel  that  so  much  has  been 
wrought  in  the  past  fifteen  years.  It  emphasizes  the 
lesson,— conserve  the  best  of  the  past,  advance  with  the 
future. 


191] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


VISIT  II 

Lawrence,  Haverhill,  Amesbury 

With  eager  expectancy  we  set  out  on  the  second  visit, 
and  again  to  the  region  bordering  upon  the  Merrimac. 
Lawrence  and  beyond  are  the  objectives.  Leaving  the 
Fellsway  at  Reading,  we  stop  for  a brief  visit  to  the 
Catholic  Church,  which  is  of  brick  and  granite.  It  is 
after  the  Gothic  pattern  found  commonly  in  the  country 
towns  of  England.  Situated  a short  distance  from  the 
state  road,  it  is  a real  ornament  to  one  of  the  principal 
streets  of  Reading. 

Starting  again,  we  speed  along  the  state  road  into  the 
town  of  Andover.  Instinctively  the  car  is  slowed  down 
that  the  full  view  of  the  beautiful  academic  town  may 
be  enjoyed.  The  belfry  tower,  campus  and  cottage 
buildings  are  grouped  most  attractively.  St.  Augustine’s 
Church,  of  brick  and  stone,  is  a prominent  landmark, 
and  is  under  the  care  of  the  Augustinian  Fathers.  They 
formerly  cared  for  Wilmington,  a small  town  nearby, 
but  lately  Wilmington  has  its  own  pastor  who  has  pur- 
chased an  ideal  home,  and  whose  zeal  leads  him  to  care 
for  the  summer  colony  at  Silver  Lake,  as  well  as  for  the 
scattered  Catholics  at  North  Woburn. 

Presently  we  pass  Shawsheen  Village,  where  the  mill 
operatives  may  live  in  cottage  homes.  The  shadow  of 
the  mill  falls  upon  the  fireside  and  we  wonder  if  the 
freedom  that  makes  “home”  is  really  felt.  Anyway,  we 
draw  a deeper  breath  under  the  majestic  elms  beyond, 
and  the  eye  gladdens  at  the  stretch  of  lawn  before  the 

[92] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


colonial  mansions  on  either  side  of  the  roadway.  Then 
we  take  the  left  hand  turn  and  instantly  the  great  mills 
of  Lawrence  confront  us.  Instinctively  we  stop  at  one 
side  before  crossing  the  bridge  that  spans  the  canals  fed 
by  the  waters  of  the  Mer'rimac.  At  the  sight  of  these 
mills  stretching  on  for  miles,  we  marvel  at  the  business 
genius  that  conceived  the  immensity  of  the  plant, 
equipped  it  with  loom  and  spindle  and  motor,  harnessed 
the  waters  of  the  onrushing  river,  brought  material  for 
the  workmen,  yes,  and  searched  Europe  and  the  near 
East  for  human  hands  to  weave  the  products  that  make 
the  American  Woolen  Company  the  most  wondrous  of 
its  kind  in  the  world.  Within  those  walls  are  men  and 
women  of  many  races  and  divers  languages,  suitable  soil, 
the  radicals  thought,  in  which  to  sow  the  seed  of  social- 
ism as  taught  by  the  leaders  of  the  I.  W.  W. 

What  influence  could  withstand  their  false  teaching, 
for  they  were  not  without  many  believers  in  the  tens  of 
thousands  of  employees  in  the  mills?  We  shall  see.  As 
we  cross  the  bridge  we  turn  into  Haverhill  Street,  the 
principal  thoroughfare  of  the  city,  and  face  directly 
toward  the  tall  towers  of  St.  Mary’s  Church  opposite  the 
common. 

The  edifice  of  granite  and  with  twin  steeples  is  ma- 
jestic in  appearance.  Gothic  in  design,  it  has  a large 
auditorium.  The  interior  has  been  wholly  renovated  the 
last  year  and  the  freshness  of  the  building  inside  and 
outside  gives  the  visitor  the  impression  that  it  is  of  recent 
construction,  whereas  it  has  been  standing  for  nearly 
three-quarters  of  a century. 

[93] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


Methuen,  a suburb,  was  lately  separated  and  formed 
into  a parish,  whose  pastor  has  acquired  a most  desirable 
property  to  use  as  a rectory. 

There  are  several  missions  attached  to  St.  Mary’s.  A 
basement  Chapel  is  opened  for  the  newly  developed 
portion  on  the  city’s  boundary.  The  priory,  schools,  con- 
vents and  institutions  in  the  parish  lift  it  into  one  of  the 
most  influential  in  the  Archdiocese. 

St.  Lawrence  O’Toole  Church  with  its  schools  and  new 
convent,  and  St.  Patrick’s  also  complete  to  the  last  re- 
quirement under  the  administration  of  a quiet  but 
progressive  pastor,  are  the  remaining  parishes  for  Eng- 
lish speaking  people.  The  French  are  under  the  spiritual 
guidance  of  the  zealous  Marist  Fathers.  Their  chief 
church  is  St.  Anne,  and  they  govern  also  the  Sacred 
Heart  Parish  and  a mission  at  Methuen.  The  newest 
church  and  schools  are  found  in  the  Polish  quarter  in 
the  western  corner  of  the  city.  No  one  who  visits  Law- 
rence must  fail  to  look  into  the  immense  school  of  the 
Italian  Parish.  The  marble  interior  finish  and  latest 
equipment  stamp  it  as  first-class  from  every  point  of 
view. 

Already  we  have  mentioned  the  missions  to  St.  Mary’s 
Church.  These  are  grouped  about  and  in  close  proximity 
to  St.  Mary’s  herself.  These  are  the  German  and  Polish 
Churches.  Besides,  there  are  the  parish  churches  that 
care  for  the  Syrians,  the  Italians,  the  Lithuanians,  the 
Syro-Maronite,  and  the  Portuguese. 

These  churches  are  the  agencies  that  teach  American- 
ism and  the  newer  civilization.  When,  therefore,  the 

[94] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


leaders  of  false  economic  theories  appeared  and  roused 
the  people  of  the  city,  the  pastors  of  these  several 
parishes,  encouraged  by  the  Cardinal,  rallied  round  the 
Very  Reverend  Prior  of  St.  Mary’s  Parish,  who  has 
served  in  the  parish  for  forty  years.  As  in  times  past  he 
did  not  fail  them,  on  this  occasion  he  did  not.  The  ques- 
tion was  the  red  flag,  or  the  Stars  and  Stripes.  As  leader 
of  a procession  the  people  followed  him  in  the  streets  of 
the  city,  listened  to  the  counsel  and  advice  that  made 
them  reject  the  false  teachers,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
pledged  loyalty  to  the  Country’s  flag  held  up  before  the 
eyes  of  the  multitude  by  the  unfaltering  hand  of  the 
Very  Reverend  Pastor. 

The  leaders  of  false  teaching  were  summoned  to  the 
courts  and  sent  into  other  parts.  There  was  a moral 
victory,  unparalleled  in  our  country,  and  history  will  so 
record  it. 

To  understand  clearly  the  influence  of  religion  on  the 
population  at  large,  one  should  visit  Lawrence  on  the 
last  Sunday  of  May,  when  the  streets  are  filled  with  the 
procession,  at  the  head  of  which  are  the  Cross  and  the 
banners  of  the  Blessed  Virgin.  Several  military  bands 
are  employed.  One  procession  occupies  the  upper  dis- 
trict of  the  city,  and  the  French  parishes  are  equally 
strong  in  their  half  of  the  municipality. 

The  next  step  in  our  route  is  toward  Haverhill,  going 
by  way  of  North  Andover  which  claims  a good  church 
and  rectory.  The  boulevard  into  the  city  gives  pleasure 
to  the  traveller.  The  City  of  Haverhill,  the  largest  shoe 
manufacturing  city  in  the  country,  is  seated  on  the  banks 

[95]  , 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


of  the  mighty  Merrimac.  The  long  bridges  that  span 
the  stream  rest  on  buttressed  piers  indicating  the  force  of 
the  flow  at  the  different  seasons. 

St.  James’  Church  stands  on  high  ground  and  its 
illuminated  clock  is  plainly  visible  for  miles  around. 
The  edifice  is  solid,  Gothic  in  style,  and  builded  of  brick 
and  stone.  Thoroughness  of  workmanship  is  to  be  noted 
without  and  within,  and  the  more  it  is  examined  the 
more  will  the  care  exercised  in  its  erection  be  understood. 
This  parish  has  been  long  reputed  for  its  schools  and 
good  work  in  a mixed  congregation. 

The  mission  churches,  St.  Rita  and  St.  George,  pro- 
vided by  the  pastor,  the  better  to  care  for  the  Italian 
and  Lithuanian  children  of  the  flock,  are  vouchers  of  his 
pastoral  solicitude.  In  addition,  his  unflagging  zeal  ha' 
built  a new  rectory  and  a home  for  the  working  girls 
under  the  management  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph. 

Across  the  street  from  the  Church  of  St.  James  are 
the  French  church  and  schools.  The  Marist  Fathers  are 
contemplating  a larger  church  and  schools,  and  plans  for 
the  same  are  under  way,  it  is  said.  Some  distance  away 
from  both  churches  is  the  Polish  Church,  which  is  doing 
excellent  work. 

Bradford  is  across  the  river,  and  after  traversing  the 
bridge  we  find  it  a splendid  residential  town.  Among 
the  most  attractive  features  of  the  place  are  Sacred 
Heart  Church  and  rectory,  builded  about  fifteen  years. 
Four  miles  outside  Haverhill  are  the  frontier  parishes  of 
Georgetown,  Groveland  and  Merrimac.  These  parishes 
have  pastors  in  the  prime  of  life,  who  are  sure  to  do 
excellent  w^ork  in  behalf  of  their  flocks.  Patient,  kind, 

[96] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


attentive,  out  of  small  resources  they  have  accomplished 
wonderful  results.  Georgetown,  long  a parish,  has  a new 
church  and  rectory,  ideal  for  its  size  and  the  town 
facilities. 

Here  we  have  arrived  at  Amesbury.  The  brick  church, 
rectory,  schools  and  convent,  arranged  in  quadrangular 
form,  astonish  the  visitor  who  sees  them  for  the  first 
time.  They  indicate  permanency  and  prosperity.  In  the 
far  seeing  care  of  the  pastor  a splendid  recreation  ground, 
owned  by  the  parish,  bounds  the  entire  plot  on  one  side. 
The  pious  and  devoted  pastor  looks  after  the  summer 
visitors  at  Salisbury  Beach,  where  a.  small  church  and 
rectory  have  been  prepared  for  this  work. 

Only  a few  minutes  away  from  St.  Joseph’s  Parish,  for 
such  is  the  one  we  have  mentioned,  is  the  Sacred  Heart 
Parish  for  the  French  people.  These  also  have  schoob 
for  boys  and  girls. 

Newbur3rport  is  the  next  town  in  the  itinerary.  Some 
years  back  it  was  a prosperous  settlement,  when  shipping 
found  its  way  into  the  harbor,  and  with  its  stable  popu- 
lation it  is  still  thrifty.  The  quiet,  peaceful  character  of 
Newburyport,  and  the  narrow  streets  impress  the  tourist 
Host  favorably.  There  are  two  Catholic  parishes  in  the 
city,  the  Immaculate  Conception,  which  cares  for  the 
English  speaking  people,  and  conducts  a mission  at  Plum 
Island  for  summer  visitors,  and  the  French  Church  of 
St.  Aloysius.  Both  parishes  are  well  builded.  They  are 
suitable,  and  the  schools  for  both  sexes  have  a reputation 
of  standard  excellence. 

The  Newburyport  turnpike  is  a “straight  as  an  arrow” 
ride  homeward.  The  miles  already  traveled  are  many. 

[97] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


and  we  have  covered  all  the  points  of  interest  in  our 
plan,  so  we  face  back.  The  scenery  all  day  has  afforded 
one  delight  after  another,  lake  and  river,  highlands  and 
now  the  ocean  have  been  a beautiful  panorama,  a pay- 
ment in  itself  for  the  venture  of  what  was  predicted 
would  be  an  arduous  trip. 

At  the  rectory,  we  glance  over  the  notes  taken  en  tour 
which  reveal  this  story  for  the  last  dozen  years;  new 
parishes  erected,  six ; rectories  purchased  and  built, 
eight;  new  convents,  three;  new  churches  and  chapels, 
six;  working  girls’  homes,  two;  and  in  Lawrence  there 
is  the  novitiate  opened  one  year  ago  by  the  Grey  Nuns 
who  decided  upon  a new  province  for  this  State. 

In  every  parish  along  the  route,  the  progressive  move- 
ment was  found,  but  it  seemed  hardly  credible  that  there 
could  be  such  a wide  difference  in  thought  and  manners 
as  seemed  to  characterize  the  people  from  those  of 
Lowell  and  environments.  Some  ascribe  it  to  the  nature 
of  the  employments,  to  the  inhabitants  of  a larger 
diversity  of  race,  and  to  the  tenacious  grip  of  the  descend- 
ants of  the  first  settlers  on  traditional  form  and  customs. 

The  one  big  impression  was  the  service  of  Religion  as  a 
civilizer  and  teacher  of  American  thought  and  manner. 


[98] 


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VISIT  III 

Lynn,  Salem,  Gloucester 

The  third  visit  is  to  be  along  the  “North  Shore  Drive.” 
Almost  every  one  admits  that  this  drive  is  the  most  de- 
lightful one  can  find  anywhere. 

The  Revere  Boulevard  is  a foretaste  of  what  awaits 
the  visitor,  but  our  purpose  is  religious.  Upon  reaching 
the  city  of  Lynn  we  leave  the  ocean  drive  and  go  by  the 
most  direct  way  to  St.  Mary’s  Church,  which  is  in  the 
very  heart  of  the  city.  The  church  property  fronts  Lynn 
Common  as  does  the  City  Hall  opposite. 

From  any  view,  the  property  is  attractive,  the  grounds 
are  well  kept;  privacy  is  secured  by  an  iron  fence  of 
simple  pattern.  The  church  sets  well  to  the  rear  of  the 
enclosure  and  rightly  dominates  the  group  of  half  dozen 
buildings  that  make  the  equipment  of  this  very  excellent 
parish.  There  are  schools  for  boys  and  girls,  convents, 
rectory,  and  working  girls’  home.  Lastly,  facing  Tre- 
mont  Street  at  the  rear,  is  the  new  high  school  for  girls. 
Colonial  is  the  style  of  the  rectory,  while  the  church  is 
Gothic,  like  most  of  the  early  built  churches.  Schools 
and  other  buildings  are  modern  in  material  and  equip- 
ment. As  one  regards  this  most  excellent  parish,  one 
says  to  oneself  that  certainly  nothing  seems  lacking. 

Seven  other  parishes  have  been  erected  out  of  St. 
Mary’s  Parish,  the  first  of  the  city.  Close  at  hand  is  the 
Sacred  Heart  Church,  which  is  a serviceable  one  of  brick, 
with  schools  and  convent.  The  school  areas  are  used  as 
playgrounds.  This  church  is  situated  in  a district  the 

[99] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


character  of  which  is  changing  by  reason  of  the  newer 
immigration ; but  the  clergy  labor  constantly  to  conserve 
and  to  enlarge. 

St.  Patrick’s  Parish,  prosperous  and  progressive,  with 
schools  and  convent,  is  another  offshoot  from  St.  Mary’s. 

The  French  people  are  justly  proud  of  St.  John  the 
Baptist  Church,  schools,  convent  and  rectory.  This 
parish  is  not  second  to  any  in  the  city. 

Near  the  Sacred  Heart  Church  is  St.  Michael’s  Polish 
Parish  with  schools.  Although  of  recent  foundation  it 
appears  to  be  very  successful. 

The  good  Fathers  of  St.  Francis  minister  to  the  Italians 
in  a new  church  at  quite  the  other  side  of  the  city. 
Schools  are  to  be  opened  this  year,  another  evidence  of 
the  growth  in  the  Catholic  population. 

About  ten  years  ago,  in  a newly  developed  and  resi- 
dential section  on  the  east  side  of  the  city,  the  Parish  of 
St.  Pius  was  made  to  meet  the  requirements  of  the  in- 
creasing development.  We  marvel  at  the  church  and 
rectory,  indications  of  the  foresight  in  planning  of  the 
first  rector,  who  still  labors  energetically  in  another  and 
larger  parish  not  far  removed  from  Lynn. 

Cliftondale  is  a short  distance  from  the  city,  but  even 
here  a most  serviceable  church,  house  and  auditorium 
are  in  process  of  erection,  which  promise,  when  com- 
pleted, to  be  model  buildings  for  a rural  district  of  scant 
population. 

St.  Joseph’s  Church,  not  far  from  the  main  depot, 
could  not  possibly  receive  secondary  consideration.  The 
large  brick  church,  on  the  main  business  thoroughfare, 
stands  prominently  before  all  and  bespeaks  prosperity 

[ 100] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


and  labor.  Across  the  way,  on  the  quiet  side  street  is  a 
modern  rectory  builded  a little  before  the  World  War. 
Colonial  in  design,  of  tapestry  brick  and  stone  trimmings, 
it  is  commodious  and  homelike,  a most  satisfactory 
dwelling  for  the  priests.  The  large  brick  schools  stand 
opposite,  also  the  convent  and  parish  house.  The  recent 
renovation  of  the  church,  and  the  contemplated  enlarge- 
ment of  the  convent  will  ensure  the  future  of  the  parish, 
and  will  conserve  its  reputation  as  an  influential  factor 
in  civic  life  and  religious  advancement. 

As  one  turns  to  leave  the  city  the  impression  one 
carries  away  is  the  steady,  consistent  policy  in  the  up- 
building of  the  church.  In  the  last  dozen  years  there 
have  been  established  four  new  parishes,  five  churches, 
six  rectories,  three  schools,  besides  one  high  school  and 
one  working  girls’  home.  The  steady,  devoted  priests 
labor  quietly,  and,  in  some  places,  expend  themselves  to 
upbuild  and  improve.  The  admiration  felt  at  the  sacri- 
fice made,  the  knowledge  gained  of  the  onward  trend  in 
every  single  parish  are  ample  reward  for  what,  at  best, 
must  be  regarded  as  but  a cursory  review. 

The  ocean  boulevard  is  a short  distance  from  St.  Jo- 
seph’s Church,  and,  in  a few  minutes,  the  North  Shore 
Drive  actually  begins.  As  we  enter  the  Ocean  Avenue 
gateway  the  Atlantic,  glistening  in  the  morning  sun,  is 
before  us.  The  view  entrances!  To  the  right,  over 
yonder,  at  the  head  of  the  peninsula,  and  well  out  into 
ocean  depths,  is  Nahant,  a residential  place  of  quaint 
beauty.  The  golden  cross  of  St.  Thomas’  Church  is 
visible  and  reminds  us  of  the  Shepherd  Who  dwelleth 
there  the  year  around  caring  for  the  sheep. 

[101] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


Quickly  the  distance  is  traversed  almost  unnoticed, 
amid  the  loveliness  of  nature  all  around,  and  hardly  is 
one  aware,  before  he  reaches  the  Swampscott  Church 
nestling  on  the  high  land  looking  down  upon  the  stretch 
of  open  beach  in  front.  The  rectory  is  on  one  side,  while 
in  the  rear  are  the  modern  brick  school  and  convent.  It 
is  marvelous  that  this  entire  plant  should  have  been  up- 
builded  during  a period  of  twelve  to  fifteen  years  and  is 
practically  without  debt. 

The  story  of  Swampscott  gives  surprise  and  begets  the 
right  mood  for  what  is  to  be  seen  at  every  stop  in  the 
journey. 

It  is  only  a short  distance  by  auto  to  the  next  town. 
As  we  speed  along  the  main  road,  the  ocean  view  is  lost 
and  shut  out  by  the  stony  bluffs  on  either  hand.  Then 
we  come  to  a turn  and  an  exclamation  of  joyful  surprise 
is  heard,  for,  there,  straight  on,  is  Marblehead,  and,  there, 
on  the  crest  of  the  highest  of  the  several  rocky  eminences, 
around,  and  on  which  the  town  is  built,  the  Catholic 
Church  stands,  solitary  and  impressive. 

The  twin  towers,  gracefully  slender,  lance-like  in  form, 
have  their  tapered  ends  aglow  with  the  shining,  golden 
crosses.  The  building.  Gothic  in  character.  Is  wooden, 
but  sturdily  built,  firm,  and  defiant  of  storms.  The 
rectory  is  some  distance  away,  for  the  exclusiveness  of 
some,  who  are  in  control  of  our  New  England  towns, 
renders  it  extremely  difficult  at  times  to  purchase  in  de- 
sirable localities.  Marblehead  is  reputed  to  be  of  this 
exclusive  class,  due  to  the  fact,  perhaps,  that  the  im- 
mense stretches  of  shore  property  are  owned  by  the  select 
few.  Marblehead  is  the  mecca  for  yachtsmen  from  along 

[ 102  ] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


the  Atlantic  seaboard,  and,  at  regatta  times,  the  harbor  re- 
sembles a pond  covered  with  an  immense  flock  of  geese  of 
snowy  whiteness,  but  the  central  point  of  the  picturesque 
landscape  is  the  Church  of  “Our  Lady,  Star  of  the  Sea.” 

Salem,  the  home  of  Royalists  in  Colonial  times,  and 
whose  older  dwellings  are  still  pointed  out  as  specimens 
of  early  English  and  classic  beauty,  claims  the  attention. 
As  we  swing  into  Lafayette  Avenue,  a splendid  street  of 
broad  proportions,  instinctively  we  stop  at  the  highest 
part  of  the  thoroughfare,  where  stand  the  large  Church 
of  St.  Joseph,  its  schools  and  convent,  the  rectory  and 
Home  for  the  Aged.  A single  day  witnessed  the  entire 
settlement  swept  away.  The  conflagration  swept  a 
large  area  and  the  French  population  that  worshipped 
at  St.  Joseph’s  were  the  chief  sufferers.  These  brave  peo- 
ple faced  their  losses,  however,  and  under  the  direction 
of  their  fearless  clergy  they  have  rebuilded  on  the  burned 
ruins.  Their  dwellings  are  better  in  every  way,  and  th^ 
parish  schools  and  rectory  are  to  be  seen  rebuilt.  Mean- 
while, religious  services  have  been  held  in  the  lower 
church  that  escaped  the  destruction,  while  preparation'^ 
are  going  on  steadily  and  surely  for  the  restoration  of 
the  former  church. 

Distant  about  one  mile  opposite  is  the  second  French 
church,  St.  Anne’s,  wooden  but  with  excellent  schools 
for  both  sexes.  This  parish  is  doing  well  on  the  outskirts 
of  the  city. 

St.  James’  Parish  boasts  of  a fine  brick  church,  rectory, 
schools  and  convent.  Through  all  the  years  of  service,  its 
record  has  been  notable,  and,  today,  its  importance  and 
influence  are  all  one  could  desire. 

[ 103] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


The  fire-swept  area  extended  to  the  walls  of  the  Im- 
maculate Conception,  the  mother  church  of  Salem.  The 
place  where  the  flames  were  successfully  stopped  is 
pointed  out  to  visitors.  With  reverent  feeling  we  enter 
this  church  of  long-standing,  and  suffer  the  memories  of 
other  days  to  crowd  back  upon  the  mind.  The  building 
of  brick  is  of  the  later  Gothic,  rounded  arch  and  corner 
steeple  are  in  contrast  with  the  central  tower  and  broken 
arch  that  seem  to  have  been  the  universal  choice.  The 
schools,  convent  and  rectory  are  wooden,  but  in  good 
condition.  The  stand-fast  policy  must  be  followed  here, 
because  many  of  the  former  parishioners  have  gone  to 
other  parts,  and  their  homes  are  now  in  the  possession 
of  the  Poles. 

The  Polish  immigrants  have  their  schools  and  convent. 
Already  they  have  made  sufficient  progress  to  build  r. 
new  church  in  a finer  locality  to  take  the  place  of  the  old 
structure  so  long  in  use. 

St.  Mary’s  Church  for  the  Italians  is  the  latest  parish 
erected,  and  indications  seem  to  augur  future  prosperity 
and  progress. 

Beyond  Salem,  the  Shore  Drive  brings  the  traveller 
once  again  in  touch  with  the  handsome  mansions  and 
cottages  of  the  seashore. 

Manchester-by-the-Sea  is  most  delightful  and  notable 
for  the  many  prominent  people  who  choose  to  spend  the 
summer  in  these  parts. 

Scarcely  is  the  main  square  of  the  town  reached  than 
the  beautiful  Catholic  Church  is  noticed  on  one  of  the 
residential  thoroughfares.  The  Norman  tower  of  em- 
battled form  imparts  dignity  and  strength  to  the  edifice. 

[ 104  1 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


[nteriorly,  the  new  altar  of  marble,  and,  immediately 
above,  the  lovely  stained  glass  window,  lighting  the 
sanctuary,  and  shedding  hallowed  light  through  the  audi- 
torium, contribute  to  make  this  church  a sample  of 
artistic  taste  and  refinement.  The  rectory  is  charming 
in  its  flower-embowered  setting,  its  material  of  brick, 
over-hanging  roof,  and  beamed,  a cottage  house  trans- 
planted from  one  of  the  older  countries. 

Three  or  four  miles  inland  from  Manchester  is  the 
church  of  St.  Margaret,  Beverly  Farms.  The  rectory,  of 
recent  erection,  is  impressive.  It  is  part  of  a plan  that 
included  a new  church  that  would  set  off  this  parish  as 
an  architectural  dream,  but,  alas,  death  intervened,  and, 
to  others,  the  late  beloved  pastor  bequeathed  the  task. 

The  City  of  Beverly  is  quite  adjacent  to  the  “Farms” 
district.  It  is  well  provided  with  a small  church  for  the 
French  people,  and  a fine,  solid  brick  edifice  on  the  main 
street  for  the  English  speaking  Catholics.  The  faithful 
are  proud  of  the  church  which  has  been  finished  ex- 
teriorly with  exceedingly  good  taste.  Next  to  the  church 
is  a stately  rectory  of  brick,  well  arranged  as  a dwelling 
for  parish  clergy. 

The  remainder  of  the  journey  to  Gloucester  and  Rock- 
port,  the  farthest  points,  is  very  restful.  On  the  way  we 
pass  Magnolia,  where  stands  a newly  erected  chapel  for 
the  use  of  the  summer  visitors  at  Essex,  also  a sumnier 
colony.  A similar  chapel  has  been  builded  very  recently. 

At  last  we  reach  Gloucester.  It  is  a gala  day.  The 
city  is  crowded,  and  the  harbor  is  alive  with  boats  of  all 
descriptions  from  the  smallest  to  the  large  type  man-of- 
war.  The  Carillon  flings  out  joyous  notes  from  the 

I lOS] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


tower  of  the  Portuguese  Church,  “Our  Lady  of  Good 
Voyage.”  This  small  wooden  church,  attractive  and  well- 
kept,  has  been  of  great  help  to  the  children  of  the 
Portuguese  nation. 

The  stone  church  of  St.  Ann,  in  the  centre  of  the  city, 
is  adequately  provided  with  schools  and  rectory. 

The  town  of  Rockport,  well-named,  is  seated  among 
the  rocky  headlands  of  Cape  Ann.  The  parish  church  is 
St.  Joachim,  and  like  all  the  titles  given  the  sacred  edifices 
along  this  shore,  bespeaks  the  faith  and  simplicity  of  the 
first  Catholics. 

After  a journey  of  several  hours  a lunch  and  rest  at 
the  Gloucester  Rocks  furnish  a gladsome  and  needed 
respite,  before  we  face  homeward. 

We  expected  an  almost  uninterrupted  return.  A slight 
change  in  the  route,  however,  gave  us  a chance  to  see 
the  new  parish  of  St.  Paul  at  Hamilton.  The  dainty 
mission  chapel,  St.  Mary’s,  is  being  finished,  at  Rowley, 
under  the  direction  of  the  pastor  of  St.  Joseph’s  Church, 
Ipswich.  Then  we  made  a brief  stop  at  Danvers  to  visit 
the  Annunciation  Church  and  rectory.  We  continued 
on  to  Peabody  where  there  is  a complete  school  plant 
and  church.  A fine  new  school  has  taken  the  place  of 
the  one  which  was  destroyed  by  fire. 

On  the  outskirts  of  Peabody,  and,  in  the  town  of 
Danvers,  is  the  well  known  “St.  John’s  Preparatory 
School,”  under  the  Xaverian  Brothers.  The  growth  of  this 
school  is  one  of  the  marvels  of  the  Catholic  school  in- 
crease in  recent  years,  and,  supplying  a long-felt  want 
as  at  present  it  does,  it  has  become  deservedly  popular. 
The  buildings,  grounds,  and  spirit  of  pupils  and  inmates 

[106] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


make  the  visit  memorable,  indeed.  Again  we  are  on  the 
Newburyport  turnpike  and  near  to  the  start  of  our  day’s 
journey. 

In  the  after  supper  recital  of  the  tour  it  appears  that 
seven  new  parishes  had  been  erected,  twelve  rectories 
provided  or  newly  built,  nine  new  churches  and  three 
mission  chapels  builded,  four  schools  and  one  high  school, 
additional  buildings  to  St.  John’s  Preparatory  School, 
and  one  working  girls’  home. 

What  proved  interesting  was  to  note  the  departure 
from  the  pre-existing  Gothic  form  of  building,  and  the 
taking  up  of  the  modern  style,  and  even  the  Romanesque. 
This  change  became  more  and  more  noticeable  with  the 
erection  of  the  late  buildings,  churches,  schools  and 
rectories. 

The  North  Shore  Drive  was  not  without  some  fatigue, 
but  the  remembrance  of  the  delightful  experience  all 
along  the  route  is  ample  reward  for  the  physical  effort, 
while  the  growth  of  the  Church  in  all  sections  of  the 
shore  land  is  proof  of  alertness  and  drive  on  the  part  of 
the  pastors,  with  fruitful  response  on  the  part  of  the  faith- 
ful. That  such  a day  should  have  come  could  not  have 
entered  into  the  most  hopeful  of  our  pioneer  Catholics. 

?\ray  God  be  praised  I 


[107] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


VISIT  IV 

Fellsway  and  Adjoining  Cities 

The  mere  mention  of  Fellsway  is  the  assurance  that 
the  route  of  the  fourth  auto  visit  will  be  enjoyable  and 
of  interest,  because  the  region  year  by  year  is  growing 
in  beauty. 

The  venerable  pastor  of  St.  Joseph’s,  Somerville,  is 
the  first  to  be  called  upon  and  a hearty  welcome  is  the 
greeting  to  all.  We  stand  on  the  steps  of  the  rectory 
overlooking  the  populous  city.  It  is  inconceivable  that 
the  six  hundred  Catholics  who  attended  Mass  at  Caldwell 
Hall,  when  our  aged  prelate  appeared  for  the  first  time 
as  their  pastor,  should  have  increased  in  numbers  ex- 
ceeding the  tens  of  thousands.  Six  parishes  have  been 
set  aside  from  the  first  parish,  and  each,  as  will  presently 
be  shown,  has  prospered  beyond  every  expectation.  St. 
Joseph’s  has  apparently  suffered  no  diminution  by  these 
newly  formed  parishes,  due  to  new  development  in  the 
immediate  neighborhood. 

The  church  itself  is  of  brick  and  is  in  fine  condition, 
which  bespeaks  careful  supervision.  The  high  steeple 
holds  aloft  the  gilded  cross  that  may  be  seen  for  a large 
radius.  The  schools  and  convent  are  to  the  rear  and 
around  the  church,  while  the  boys’  school  of  brick  is  on 
the  frontage  with  the  rectory,  as  is  also  the  Brothers* 
School. 

Almost  five  minutes  walk  from  St.  Joseph’s  Church  are 
a basement  chapel  and  rectory,  the  beginning  of  the  new’ 
parish  for  the  Italian  people. 

[ 108] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


About  ten  years  ago  St.  Benedict’s  Parish  was  set 
aside.  It  includes  the  famous  ^‘Nunnery  Grounds,” 
where  stood  the  convent  that  was  burned  by  a mob  in 
the  “Know  Nothing  Times.”  Not  without  some  diffi- 
culty was  land  obtained  for  the  foundation  of  the  parish. 
Quickly  a simple  structure  was  reared  and  a rectory 
prepared.  Since  the  dedication  of  this  church,  much 
valuable  land  close  by  has  been  purchased  to  be  used 
for  schools  and  parish  purposes. 

St.  Polycarp’s  Mission  Chapel  is  the  latest  church 
building  in  Somerville.  It  is  attended  by  Fathers  of  St. 
Ann’s  Parish,  which  has  a beautiful  church  of  brick  and 
stone  design,  a large  rectory  (wooden),  and  a fine  new 
brick  school.  Plans  are  drawn  for  a new  convent,  and 
then  St.  Ann’s  will  be  thoroughly  equipped.  Diagonally 
across  is  the  large  building  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus, 
with  halls  and  meeting  rooms  which  afford  facilities  for 
Catholics,  not  only  of  St.  Ann’s,  but  of  every  parish,  in  con- 
ducting special  activities  of  a social  and  charitable  nature. 

St.  Ann’s  Parish  crowns  the  “Winter  Hill”  section,  and 
only  ten  minutes  away  is  Spring  Hill  with  the  beautiful 
church  of  St.  Catherine.  This  building,  recently  furnished, 
is  an  architectural  triumph  and  so  unusual  in  elaborate- 
ness of  interior  design  as  to  attract  many  visitors,  even 
from  distant  parts.  Since  his  appointment,  the  very 
earnest  pastor  has  added  new  property  to  the  original 
purchase  and  remodeled  and  enlarged  the  residence  into 
a serviceable  rectory,  while  utilizing  the  temporary 
wooden  church,  first  in  use,  and  now  situated  at  the 
rear  of  the  grounds.  Every  Catholic  boasts  of  St. 
Catherine’s  Church,  Somerville. 

[ 109] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


At  the  outer  side  of  the  city,  within  the  shadow  of 
Tuft’s  College,  is  St.  Clement’s  Parish.  This  parish 
grew  up  almost  over  night,  and  is  found  with  wooden 
church  and  rectory,  convent  and  schools.  So  rapid  is  the 
growth  of  the  parish,  and  the  consequent  increase  in 
school  attendance,  that  a new  brick  school  of  sixteen 
rooms  and  auditorium  has  been  added  to  the  one  already 
in  use. 

The  borders  of  Somerville  and  Medford  meet  very 
near  to  St.  Clement’s.  Therefore,  it  is  but  a stone’s  throw 
/ to  St.  Joseph’s  Church  and  rectory  on  the  main  street  at 
Medford. 

As  we  follow  the  Mystic  River  drive,  the  church  of  St. 
Raphael,  West  Medford,  comes  into  view.  It  is  of 
mission  design  and  construction,  just  suitable  for  the 
wants  of  this  small  parish. 

The  ^lystic  River  flows  out  of  the  Mystic  lakes,  twin 
lakes,  known  as  upper  and  lower  lakes,  and  so  lovely  in 
the  lap  of  the  surrounding  hills  as  to  be  termed  “Killar- 
ney.”  Passing  by  the  lakes,  we  enter  Winchester,  a 
most  beautiful  town,  and  but  a short  distance  from  the 
centre  of  the  town  is  St.  Mary’s  Church,  Gothic  and 
brick.  On  the  eminence  opposite  are  a splendid  new  rec- 
tory, new  brick  school  and  convent,  erected  within  the 
past  ten  years,  indicative  that  St.  Mary’s  Parish  is  not 
wanting  in  progressive  work. 

The  drive  is  straight  on,  bearing  slightly  to  the  left, 
and  in  very  few  minutes  we  pass  St.  Charles’  Cemetery, 
which  is  very  well  kept.  At  once  we  meet  the  state  road 
that  leads  to  the  very  centre  of  Woburn,  a short  quarter 
(fl  an  hour  from  St.  Mary’s  in  Winchester. 

[110] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


No  inquiry  is  needed  to  locate  St.  Charles’  Church 
and  parish  schools.  There,  fronting  the  highway,  stand 
the  rectory,  church,  the  primary  and  grammar  schooK 
and  the  new  high  school  which  has  an  auditorium  at  the 
rear  with  a seating  capacity  of  twelve  hundred.  On  the 
rising  ground,  running  from  the  main  street  up  and  be- 
hind the  line  of  buildings,  is  the  convent.  The  slope  is 
finely  graded  and  provided  with  concrete  walks,  work 
done  without  compensation  by  volunteer  men  parishioners. 
The  energetic  priests  labored  with  the  pastor  to  renovate 
and  re-equip  the  first  schools,  and  made  sacrifices  in  the 
endeavor  to  have  the  high  school  building  and  hall.  The 
doors  were  about  to  be  opened  when  fire,  at  dead  of  night, 
broke  out  at  the  rectory  and  threatened  the  very  lives  of 
the  inmates.  The  alterations  and  repairs  to  the  rectory 
have  made  it  almost  entirely  new.  St.  Charles’  Parish 
again  exemplifies  most  strikingly  how  the  past  has  been 
conserved,  and  the  future  is  anticipated  by  the  new 
buildings,  proof  of  the  broad  vision  in  providing  for  the 
parish  activities  that  mean  influence  and  advancement. 

It  is  necessary  to  face  about  and  travel  back  a short 
piece  of  the  road  to  East  Woburn,  where  the  parish  house 
and  spacious  grounds  may  augur  well  for  the  work  of 
tomorrow,  and  where  the  present  serviceable  wooden 
church  building  will  be  replaced  by  a structure,  wooden 
in  design  and  construction. 

Only  a mile  or  more  farther  on,  the  cross  of  St.  Pat- 
rick’s Church,  Stoneham,  shining  brightly  from  the  top 
of  the  steeple  is  clearly  visible,  and  a sure  sign  that  the 
journey  thus  far  is  according  to  the  plan.  Presently,  we 
arrive  and  look  with  feelings  of  reverence  upon  the 

[111] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


House  of  the  Lord  that  was  the  boast  and  home  of  early 
Catholics  in  this  town.  The  property  is  prominent  in 
the  centre  of  the  town  on  a road  parallel  with  the  main 
thoroughfare,  thus  ensuring  quiet  and  good  accommoda- 
tions. The  buildings  are  in  excellent  condition ; the  new 
brick  school  is  no  mean  structure  for  rural  Stoneham. 

The  extreme  northerly  point  of  our  day’s  outing  is 
Wakefield,  a small  industrial  centre,  but  in  the  pioneer 
days  one  of  religious  missionary  endeavor.  The  church 
is  under  the  patronage  of  St.  Joseph,  and  its  scholarly 
parish  priest  is  not  without  the  spirit  of  his  predecessors, 
as  is  manifested  by  the  tasteful  mission  church.  This 
has  been  builded  within  the  past  two  years,  in  order  that 
the  two  hundred  Catholics  at  Lynnfield  might  have  a 
good  opportunity  for  religious  training.  The  roadways 
are  some  of  the  best  in  the  state  and  lead  into  the  Fells- 
way,  one  of  the  finest  parks  of  greater  Boston. 

As  we  skirt  along  the  large  lake  at  the  border  line  of 
the  lovely  reservation,  Melrose,  the  town  of  pretty 
homes,  seems  to  invite  a visit,  a visit  that  is  well  re- 
warded by  what  is  seen  in  church  property  and  its  de- 
velopment. The  splendid  wooden  church  and  grounds, 
the  fine  school  and  new  convent,  laid  out  with  excellent 
taste,  are  only  expressive  of  the  refined  and  genial  pastor 
who  lives  with  his  assistants  in  a rectory  of  real  home 
touch  and  surroundings. 

It  is  not  so  many  years  since  Melrose  was  a mission 
of  St.  Patrick‘s,  Stoneham.  Now  to  note  the  excellence 
of  each  in  equipment  of  present  requirements! 

A turn  of  the  street,  and  back  again  we  go  into  the 
Fellsway  route.  At  every  turn,  the  windings  of  the  roads 

[112] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


reveal  vistas  of  beauty,  which  afford  pleasurable  sur- 
prise, and  the  fullest  enjoyment,  thanks  to  Park  Regula- 
tions governing  the  speed  of  autos. 

The  air  is  refreshing,  and  we  settle  back  the  more  to 
breath  it  in,— aye,  to  revel  in  it— amid  the  beauteous 
charms  of  this  wooded  wonderland,  when  the  church  of 
St.  Francis  Assisi  is  announced.  Abruptly  we  are  re- 
called to  the  purpose  of  the  journey.  The  people  of  “Ful- 
ton Heights”  on  the  outskirts  of  Medford  and  on  the 
IMalden  line  were  desirous  of  having  a place  of  worship, 
and  their  desire  was  gratified  almost  as  soon  as  expressed. 
The  new  church  is  not  after  the  usual  pattern,  but  seems 
to  meet  the  wants  of  the  locality  and  is  well  adapted 
to  the  surroundings. 

Wellington,  a settlement  similarly  situated  along  the 
division  line  of  Malden  and  Medford,  was  made  a parish 
two  years  or  more  before  the  one  of  St.  Francis  of  Assisi. 
The  young  priest  assigned  to  the  task  of  laying  the 
foundation  was  a splendid  choice.  He  rallied  his  people 
and  under  his  leadership  they  worked  together  often 
after  their  own  day’s  work.  They  were  proud  of  their 
church  and  hall  and  house  which  have  been  completed 
within  the  year,  and  have  been  dedicated  to  St.  James  the 
Apostle.  Both  pastors  speak  of  the  kindly  manner  in 
which  they  were  received,  and  the  financial  aid  rendered 
by  the  Right  Reverend  Pastor  of  the  Immaculate  Con- 
ception Church,  the  mother  parish  of  Malden.  Historical 
memories  cluster  about  the  Immaculate  Conception,  first 
builded  to  care  for  the  few  scattered  Catholics  of  Med- 
ford and  Malden.  The  structure  has  proved  itself 
staunch.  The  improvements  which  have  been  carefully 

[ 113  ] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


made  from  time  to  time  have  served  to  keep  it  in  fine 
serviceable  condition.  The  pastor’s  care  is  ever  centered 
on  the  schools,  and  the  new  high  school  building  rounds 
out  the  educational  facilities  of  the  parish,  seldom,  if  ever, 
surpassed.  The  Malden  schools  are  standard  always, 
materially  and  educationally  speaking. 

Another  exemplification  of  conserving  the  past  and 
providing  for  the  present  and  future  needs  is  the  Im- 
maculate Conception  Church,  Malden,  for  with  all  that 
is  achieved  the  public  is  informed  of  a new  church,  lately 
purchased  from  the  Protestants,  that  is  to  be  utilized 
as  the  parish  church  of  St.  Peter  for  Italians. 

The  Sacred  Heart  Church  is  in  the  east  part  of  the 
city,  and  was  erected  by  one  of  the  pioneer  priests,  who,  in 
the  first  years  of  his  ministry,  in  order  to  administer  the 
Sacraments,  traversed  the  different  New  England  States 
in  search  of  Catholics.  His  experience  convinced  him  of 
the  need  of  churches,  whatever  their  material  value 
might  be.  Thus  it  happened  that  the  Sacred  Heart, 
Malden,  was  the  last  of  forty  churches  directly  con- 
structed by  the  saintly  Father  Shahan.  During  the  past 
decade  his  successors  have  added  schools,  convents  and 
rectory.  The  district  itself  is  in  line  of  the  state  boule- 
vards and  most  prosperous. 

Like  two  sentinels  guarding  the  approach  to  Everett 
are  the  two  churches,  both  dedicated  to  St.  Joseph,— one 
in  the  quiet  Maplewood  district  of  Malden,  and  farther 
east  than  the  Sacred  Heart  Church;  the  other  is  the 
chapel  used  for  the  French  people  who  reside  at  the 
border  line  of  Everett. 


[114] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


As  in  the  two  preceding  visits,  the  return  home  is  along 
the  Newburyport  turnpike.  It  runs  through  the  length 
of  Everett,  and,  at  the  centre  of  the  city,  takes  on  char- 
acter by  the  public  buildings  that  front  thereon.  Among 
the  best  are  the  Immaculate  Conception  church  and 
rectory.  Close  at  hand  are  the  handsome  new  school  and 
convent. 

The  newest  church.  Our  Lady  of  Grace,  built  only  a 
few  years,  and  situated  on  the  southern  side  on  the  Chel- 
sea line,  is  clearly  visible  from  the  Revere  Boulevard. 
Admiration  and  wonder  at  what  was  accomplished  by 
the  erection  of  this  stone  church  and  purchase  of  the 
wooden  rectory  must  be  felt  by  him  who  rightly  con- 
:5idered  the  undertaking  and  the  shortness  of  time  re- 
quired. 

It  is  only  a step,  one  would  say,  from  Everett  into 
Revere  where  the  church  property  is  admirably  located 
and  provided  with  good  schools,  as  well  as  a Catholic 
Club  for  social  activities,  in  a district  filled  with  attrac- 
tions commonly  found  at  seaside  resorts.  The  solicitude 
of  the  pastor  is  for  the  schools  which  he  has  enlarged. 
He  added  the  past  year  an  excellent  high  school.  The 
policy  of  having  these  schools  as  a breakwater  to  the 
ever  varying  changes  of  the  neighborhood  is  a good  one, 
offsetting  a possible  influence  towards  evil  that  might 
come  to  the  children  and  people  over  whom  he  is  placed. 

St.  Anthony’s  Church,  the  Italian  Parish,  established 
several  years  ago,  is  caring  for  the  sons  of  Sunny  Italy. 
At  the  very  gateway  to  Revere  Beach  is  the  small  settle- 
ment of  Beachmont,  that  has  a good,  even  if  humble, 
church  and  rectory. 


[115] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


The  ocean  breeze  is  invigorating  and  is  the  tonic 
needed  to  dissipate  the  tired  feeling  beginning  to  creep 
upon  the  party.  The  trip  might  be  shortened  did  not  the 
church  of  St.  John  the  Eavngelist,  Winthrop  Head,  catch 
the  eye  by  its  attractive  outline,  distinctly  drawn  against 
the  greenish  blue  of  the  ocean  sky.  That  church  must 
be  visited!  Romanesque,  with  fine  campanile,  its  in- 
terior is  of  unusual  finish  and  charm.  Consequently,  it  is 
one  of  the  “show  churches”  for  many  priests  who  come 
from  other  parts  to  see  the  best  that  architecture  affords 
in  the  East. 

Orient  Heights  is  next  door  to  the  Winthrop  church 
and  the  pretty  name  was  born  of  the  expectation  of  those 
who  opened  up  the  locality,  in  order  that  a village  of 
select  people  might  grow  and  prosper.  The  expectation 
was  not  altogether  realized,  for  the  people  who  came 
were  few  in  numbers.  St.  Joseph’s  Church  was  erected 
at  once  and  has  been  prosperous,  indeed. 

The  Italians  recently  rejoiced  to  see  their  new  church 
of  St.  Lazarus  dedicated.  It  is  a beautiful  northern 
Italian  Church,  reproduced  after  the  one  in  the  home 
town  of  Italy  where  the  hard  working  pastor  was  born 
and  reared.  The  spacious  boulevard  runs  straight  as  an 
arrow  from  Orient  Heights  into  Maverick  Square. 

As  we  hurry  homewards,  alternately,  on  either  side, 
are  the  several  other  churches  in  East  Boston.  The  new 
“Star  of  the  Sea”  Church  of  grey  tapestry  brick  is  having 
the  interior  finished  and  decorated.  It  is  already  well 
provided  with  schools  and  rectory.  The  demands  that 
may  come  with  the  future  will  have  adequate  response. 

The  Sacred  Heart  Parish  is  also  provided  with  schools 

[116] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


and  church;  in  fact,  every  one  of  the  older  parishes, 
the  Assumption  Church,  and  the  Church  of  the  Redeemer 
dating  back  to  Father  Fitton’s  days,  do  not  fail  to  carry 
on  the  work  of  salvation. 

Changes  of  wide  extent  are  to  be  noted  in  the  popula- 
tion. The  Portuguese  who  follow  the  deep  sea  fisheries, 
formerly  conducted  entirely  by  Irish,  have  the  Church 
of  St.  John  the  Baptist;  while  at  the  “docks”  an  Italian 
population  running  into  the  thousands  live  an  exclusive 
existence  and  have  their  religious  wants  supplied  by 
the  good  Franciscans,  who  have  been  compelled  twice  to 
enlarge  their  rather  attractive  church. 

As  the  final  stop  is  made  at  Chelsea,  a golden  sunset 
fills  the  heavens.  The  sun’s  fiery  rays  aslant  the  horizon 
recall  the  conflagration  that  reduced  the  city  to  a mass 
of  ruins.  Chelsea  is  rebuilt,  and,  with  it,  the  Church  of 
St.  Rose ; the  schools  and  convent  also  are  restored,  for 
earnest  pastors  have  served  the  people,  alert  to  prepare 
for  the  new  conditions  in  the  new  city  arisen  from  ashes. 

The  Marist  Fathers  care  for  the  French.  A modest 
church,  schools  and  convent  supply  the  needs  of  a small 
congregation. 

St.  Stanislaus  Martyr  is  the  title  of  the  Polish  Church 
and  schools  under  the  direction  of  the  small  congregation 
of  Polish  priests. 

The  amazing  growth  of  the  Church  in  this  district, 
during  the  last  dozen  years,  is  hardly  to  be  believed. 
The  recount  reads:— 

Somerville,  new  parishes,  three;  Mission  chapel,  one; 
churches  erected  and  completed,  four;  rectories,  four; 
new  schools,  four. 


[117] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


Winchester,  new  rectory,  school  and  convent. 

Woburn,  new  high  school  and  rectory  after  fire  re- 
stored. 

Stoneham,  school  and  convent. 

Wakefield,  Mission  chapel. 

Melrose,  new  convent. 

Medford  line,  new  parishes,  two ; church  and  rectories. 

Malden,  new  Italian  Parish  and  church;  new  schools, 
two;  rectory  and  convent,  one. 

Everett,  new  school,  one;  convent,  one;  new  parish 
church  and  rectory  on  Chelsea  line. 

Revere  has  a new  high  school. 

Winthrop,  new  church,  one. 

East  Boston,  new  parishes,  three;  new  churches,  three; 
church  enlarged,  one;  new  convent,  one;  new  school 
building,  one. 

Chelsea,  new  parishes  for  immigrants,  two ; rebuilding 
and  restoration  of  all  church  property  that  suffered  in  the 
burning  of  the  city. 

The  record  is  evidence  of  work, — constant  work  for 
every  conceivable  need. 

God  has  blessed  the  efforts  of  each  pastor  by  the  grace 
of  a generous,  devoted  people. 


[ 118] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


VISIT  V 

Brockton  and  Plymouth 

The  “South  Shore  Drive”  is  quite  different  from  that 
of  the  North  Shore.  The  inherent  features  are  different. 
The  sandy  plain  instead  of  the  rolling  country,  no  ex- 
clusive proprietors  or  large  estates,  the  want  of  lake 
and  river  scenery,  the  quaintness  of  the  Cape  Cod 
Yankee  in  contrast  with  the  descendants  of  the  Royalist 
colony;  all  serve  to  furnish  a most  interesting  and  in- 
structive trip.  Plymouth  and  Plymouth  Rock  lie  ahead. 
Mere  mention  of  the  historic  city  is  sufficient  to  give 
edge  to  the  interest,  and  with  joyful  expectation  the 
start  is  made. 

The  actual  route  commences  beyond  Mattapan  Square, 
Dorchester,  and  meets  the  Brockton  road.  At  this 
point,  in  the  shadow  of  the  stately  elms,  the  scenery  is 
engaging  and  the  way  pleasant.  Before  very  long  the 
brick  buildings  of  Randolph  Deaf  and  Dumb  School  are 
seen  to  the  right.  There  is  no  similar  school  in  the 
state ; and  it  is  to  be  enlarged  at  once  to  meet  the  urgent 
needs  for  additional  pupils.  The  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph 
are  in  control.  Cheerfully  they  perform  this  most  exact- 
ing work,  which  almost  constantly  demands  new  mem- 
bers. 

At  North  Randolph  the  residents  are  making  plans 
for  a church  of  their  own,  and  they  find  heartiest  co- 
operation on  the  part  of  the  clergy. 

To  avoid  the  ascent  of  the  hill  immediately  ahead,  a 
detour  towards  the  east  is  made  until  the  Holbrook 
Church  and  rectory  are  reached,  a fine  property  in  this 

[ 119] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


small  town.  The  turn  is  made  into  Avon,  which  was 
formerly  attended  by  the  priests  of  Holbrook,  but  a 
dozen  years  back  was  made  a separate  Parish,  acquiring 
at  the  time  a fine  large  dwelling,  the  present  rectory. 

The  detour  ends  at  the  Brockton  road  and  in  front  of 
the  Randolph  Parish  Church  and  rectory.  The  church 
is  Gothic,  wooden,  and  goes  back  to  the  pioneer  days 
when  this  parish  was  most  prosperous,  and  one  of  the 
strongest  outposts  of  the  Boston  Church.  At  the  present 
time  the  town  appears  to  be  of  stationary  character, 
with  no  increase  in  population. 

The  Brockton  road  is  in  good  condition,  and  affords 
chance  for  a quick  run  into  Montello,  the  outer  suburb 
of  the  Brockton  city.  Montello  is  a well  laid  out  resi- 
dential district.  Its  whole  appearance  is  impressive  by 
the  remarkably  beautiful  Catholic  church  that  com- 
mands the  junction  of  several  streets;  the  architectural 
features  of  the  church  appeal  to  the  tourist  who  will  be 
amply  repaid  by  a visit. 

St.  Edward’s  Church,  Montello,  is  one  of  a series  of 
fine  churches,  lately  builded,  an  expression  of  what 
might  well  be  termed  the  renaissance  period  of  the  South 
Shore  district.  It  is  about  one  mile  from  St.  Edward’s 
Church  to  the  centre  of  Brockton. 

St.  Patrick’s  Church,  fronting  Main  Street,  opposite 
the  City  Hospital  and  the  large  building  owned  by  the 
Y.  M.  C.  A.,  is  one  that  every  Catholic  may  be  proud  of. 
It  is  Romanesque  in  style,  and  of  brick.  The  interior  is 
finished  in  keeping  with  the  attractive  exterior.  Nothing 
seems  lacking  in  detail,  and  the  edifice  is,  consequently, 
a fine  workable  church.  Next  to  the  church,  facing  the 

[120] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


side  street  in  order  that  quiet  and  convenience  might  be 
secured,  the  pastor  has  also  builded  a modern  rectory, 
but  not  extravagant  in  design  or  cost. 

Over  towards  the  east  the  thickly  settled  population 
is  indicative  of  the  newest  growth  in  the  city.  The 
churches  and  church  spires  and  schools  are  the  best  as- 
surance of  religious  care.  There  are  the  French  Parish 
and  schools ; the  Polish  Parish  and  school ; the  Lithu- 
anians with  church  and  schools. 

The  native  population  settled  more  in  the  southerly 
direction  and  at  Campello.  The  suburb  below  St.  Pat- 
rick’s Parish  is  St.  Margaret’s  Parish.  Services  in  the 
basement  chapel  have  been  held  for  a number  of  years, 
but  now  the  upper  church  is  being  builded  and  will  be 
in  keeping  with  the  sister  edifices.  Southeasterly  the 
new  parish  of  St.  Colman’s  was  erected.  The  upper 
structure  awaits  completion,  but  the  opportunity  to 
worship  close  to  their  homes  is  entirely  appreciated  by 
the  not  over-populous  congregation  here,  at  the  border 
line  of  the  city. 


Whitman 

The  stretch  of  low  land  that  lies  between  St.  Colman’s 
and  Whitman  is  uninteresting,  even  dreary  in  aspect,  so 
that  there  is  the  tendency  to  use  accelerated  speed.  At 
the  junction  of  what  seems  to  be  the  two  most  prominent 
streets  are  the  Holy  Ghost  Church  and  rectory,  and  to- 
gether they  present  a very  attractive  appearance. 
Recently  the  church  edifice  was  rededicated  after  it  had 
been  enlarged  twice  the  original  capacity.  The  brick  is 
oatmeal  in  color,  uncommon  in  the  East,  but  widely 

[121] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


used  in  the  Middle  West;  the  stone  trimmings  make  the 
Gothic  features  more  pronounced  and  pleasing.  By  rea- 
son of  the  good  taste  displayed,  the  church,  as  it  is  to- 
day, ranks  among  the  best  of  rural  parishes. 

St.  Bridget’s,  Abington,  formerly  looked  after  the 
spiritual  wants  of  Whitman.  Indeed,  St.  Bridget’s  is 
the  kindly  mother  whose  several  daughters  have  gone 
out  from  the  home,  each  to  do  for  herself.  The  mother 
parish  is  the  family  home,  however,  and  the  children 
find  their  way  frequently  to  renew  the  spirit  of  hospital- 
ity and  fraternal  love. 

If  this  be  the  story  of  Abington  and  Whitman,  it  is 
likewise  that  of  Rockland.  The  brick  church  and  splen- 
did rectory  stand  in  the  very  centre  of  the  town  and  con- 
tribute considerably  to  the  busy  character  of  the  place. 
How  befitting  its  title,— Church  of  the  Holy  Family! 

Evidently,  the  cities  and  towns  in  this  section  sprung 
up  along  the  old  Bedford  turnpike,  now  one  of  our  best 
state  roads.  It  proved  to  be  a pleasant  route  as  we  turn- 
ed to  leave  the  Abingtons.  The  country  also  brightens 
a bit,  especially  through  Bridgewater,  the  home  of  the 
State  Normal  School.  This  school  is  largely  attended 
and  has  an  excellent  reputation. 

A fine  brick  church  under  the  Patronage  of  St.  Thomas 
Aquinas  is  in  accord  with  the  locality  and  its  require- 
ments. East  Bridgewater  is  now  a .separate  parish, 
though  formerly  a mission  of  St.  Thomas.  St.  John  is 
the  patron  saint. 

The  pleasant  impressions  created  by  viewing  the 
normal  school  are  dissipated  by  the  sight  of  the  State 
Farm  at  Titicut,  a suburb  of  Middleboro,  and  attended 

[122] 


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by  the  priests  of  the  latter  place.  Through  acres  upon 
acres  of  cultivated  farms  the  highway  takes  its  course, 
and  on  either  hand  we  see  colonies  and  colonies  of 
prisoners  working  in  these  farm  lands.  Each  year  it 
grows  larger.  When  will  it  stop? 

Middleboro  is  the  possessor  of  a fine  stone  church 
dedicated  to  the  Sacred  Heart,  and  situated  on  the  main 
thoroughfare.  The  church  property  holds  the  corner  of 
two  streets  and  stands  up  equally  with  the  Episcopal 
Church  close  at  hand. 

The  “Bedford  Turnpike”  loses  its  name  at  Middleboro, 
where  it  becomes  known  as  the  Middleboro  Road,  known 
to  all  as  one  of  the  finest  pieces  of  roadway  in  the 
country.  Straight  as  an  arrow  is  the  path,  and  before 
long  Lakeville  is  reached,  then  North  Carver,  where  is 
located  the  parish  of  Our  Lady  of  Lourdes.  At  the 
cross  roads,  not  far  distant,  a turn  to  the  east  leads  to 
historic  Plymouth. 

Upon  arrival  in  the  city  interest  never  flags,  but  even 
awakens  the  desire  to  revisit  the  “first  settlement  land- 
marks.” The  proper  setting  is  needed  in  order  to  move 
about  with  ease  where  manners  and  practices,  long 
established,  are  suggestive  of  their  Puritan  origin. 

Opposite  the  Pilgrim  Shrine  is  the  Catholic  Church, 
fronting  the  main  street.  The  first  pastor  named  the 
Church  St.  Peter’s.  He  had  in  mind,  no  doubt,  the 
imperishable  rock  on  which  the  Church  of  Christ  is 
builded.  The  rectory.  Villa  Mana,  is  across  the  way. 
In  all  the  days  since  the  pioneer  missionary,  St.  Peter’s 
Church  has  stood  well  for  the  faith.  A chapel,  St. 
Catherine’s,  cares  for  the  summer  residents,  who  come  to 

[ 123  ] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


White  Horse  Beach.  The  whole  city  worshipped  at  St. 
Peter’s  until  it  was  deemed  urgent  to  build  St.  Mary’s 
Church,  one  mile  or  so  nearer  Boston,  in  the  midst  of 
an  immigrant  population  that  needed  direct,  personal 
care  and  supervision. 

The  tourist  now  turns  his  face  towards  Boston, 
hom.eward  bound,  by  the  South  Shore  Drive.  The  scene, 
as  he  starts,  is  captivating.  On  one  side  are  the  homes 
of  the  residents  built  on  rising  land  that  forms  the 
eminence,  adorned  with  the  massive  monument  the 
natives  erected  to  memorialize  the  Pilgrim  Fathers.  On 
the  outer  side  is  Plymouth  Bay,  alive  with  foaming, 
tossing  billows  that  spend  themselves  upon  the  sandy 
shore.  The  road  runs  over  the  high  sandy  bluff,  towards 
the  next  town,— Kingston.  Here  is  St.  Joseph’s  Church. 
As  one  looks  from  the  vantage  point  over  the  surround- 
ing country,  the  high  cliff  that  jutts  into  the  sea  is 
pointed  out  as  a part  of  the  parish.  The  statue  of  Myles 
Standish  of  heroic  mould  is  clearly  visible,  although  it 
is  built  upon  the  cliff  and  is  more  than  three  miles 
distant. 

Duxbury  and  Green  Harbor,  missions  of  Kingston, 
are  within  sight,  so  that  the  labors  of  the  shore  town 
parish  are  presented  in  a very  comprehensible  manner. 
The  home  of  the  Fathers  of  the  Divine  Word  is  at  Dux- 
bury. Then  there  is  the  new  church.  Our  Lady  of  the 
Lake,  at  Monponsett  Beach,  a mission  of  St.  Mary  of  the 
Sacred  Heart  at  Hanover. 

Scituate  is  reached  in  due  time,  and  here  the  farms 
and  ocean  combine.  It  is  no  surprise  to  see  within  the 
past  few^  years  the  marvelous  growth  in  residences,  so 

[ 124  ] 


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much  so  that  Scituate  was  erected  into  a new  parish  two 
years  ago. 

Cohasset  and  North  Scituate  are  deservedly  popular 
by  reason  of  the  scenery,  splendid  homes,  and  ocean 
beach.  At  Cohasset  the  roadway  runs  to  the  water’s 
edge.  Fine  homes  abound  and  “Jerusalem  Road,”  for 
such  is  the  name  of  our  road  of  travel,  is  just  the  sur- 
prise needed  to  give  charm  to  what  otherwise  might  be 
a tedious,  monotonous  ride. 

The  Star  of  the  Sea  Church  is  a new  chapel  at  North 
Cohasset. 

The  better  to  drink  deep  of  the  salt  air  and  to  feast 
our  eyes  on  grandeur  of  the  ocean,  we  stop  at  Green 
Hill,  and  climb  to  the  top  of  Atlantic  Hill.  From  this 
vantage  point  the  long  stretch  of  sandy  coast,  left  be- 
hind and  lost  in  this  rocky  hill,  seems  to  reassert  itself 
in  the  long  peninsula  of  Nantasket  Beach.  To  us  At- 
lantic Hill  seemed  like  the  shoulder  of  some  great  giant 
at  repose,  who  had  stretched  his  stout  arm  into  the  sea, 
and  whose  clenched  hand  was  like  Point  Allerton  and 
Hull. 

The  Catholic  Churches  are  found  at  intervals  along 
Nantasket  Beach.  They  exemplify  the  practical  solu- 
tion to  a vexing  problem  that  confronts  many  of  the 
Hierarchy  who  must  provide  religious  services  in  their 
Dioceses  for  summer  sojourners  and  vacationists.  His 
Eminence  made  a parish  under  the  administration  of  the 
President  of  our  Seminary,  where,  after  the  severe 
strain  of  teaching  during  the  scholastic  year,  professors 
find  relaxation  and  rest.  At  the  same  time,  it  gives 
them  the  opportunity  for  practical  work  with  the  faith- 

[125] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


ful  at  large.  The  Trinity  ordination  supplies,  ordinarily, 
a score  or  more  of  young  priests,  who  for  the  most  part 
are  spread  through  the  seaside  parishes  where  they  too 
are  afforded  a chance  for  recuperation  and  the  practical 
work  of  the  ministry.  At  the  close  of  the  summer  season 
these  young  priests  are  assigned  to  regular  work  in  the 
older  parishes  of  the  Archdiocese. 

The  plan  is  simple,  satisfactory,  efficient.  Hingham 
town  dates  back  to  Colonial  days,  and,  in  general  char- 
acter, still  bears  the  Puritan  stamp.  She  stands  at  the 
head  of  the  south  shore  and  beach  highways,  and  is  well 
known,  therefore,  to  all  autoists.  In  the  town  centre  are 
St.  Paul’s  Church  and  rectory,  very  creditable  property. 

We  keep  straight  on  from  the  church  and  cross  the 
railroad  tracks  at  the  depot.  The  roadway  conducts  the 
tourist  to  East  Weymouth.  All  the  towns  round  about 
Hingham  are  clustered  together.  The  church  and  house 
of  long  standing  are  up  to  date.  The  pastor  has  seen  to 
it  that  at  North  Weymouth  a beautiful  stone  church  was 
builded  for  that  mission  dedicated  to  St.  James,  while 
new  schools  and  convent  are  being  opened  at  the  home 
church.  Only  admiration  can  be  felt  for  such  enter- 
prising work  in  an  apparently  unpropitious  centre. 

After  the  dreadful  havoc  wrought  by  the  tornado  three 
years  ago.  South  Weymouth  is  rebuilded,  and  the  Catholic 
Church  and  rectory  have  been  restored  for  divine  service. 
The  Sacred  Heart  schools  and  convent,  church  and 
rectory  make  an  imposing  presence  by  their  location  in 
the  principal  square  of  Weymouth  proper.  The  work 
going  on  here  must  bear  fruitful  results  in  the  not  distant 
future. 


[ 126] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


One  of  the  principal  streets  terminating  in  Weymouth 
Square  is  the  one  that  leads  to  the  small  but  pretty  town 
of  Braintree.  Here  a fine  brick  church  is  an  ornament 
to  the  town  and  the  rectory  is  one  of  dignity.  This 
church  and  rectory  were  builded  within  the  decade. 

The  day’s  trip  is  rapidly  approaching  an  end,  for  the 
direction  is  now  towards  West  Quincy.  The  splendid 
basement  that  served  the  parish  for  some  years  as  a 
substantial  church  is  now  secondary  to  the  serviceable 
superstructure  completed  a half  dozen  years  ago.  Prep- 
aration for  school  building  is  now  under  the  considers 
tion  of  the  pastor. 

Quincy  proper  certainly  has  outstripped  any  city  of 
equal  population  in  the  number  of  parishes,  churches  and 
schools.  St.  John  the  Baptist  Church  gives  an  example 
by  its  fine  brick  building  and  convent.  With  reverence 
we  speak  of  this  parish  that  formerly  had  the  care  of 
this  quarter  of  the  Diocese.  Recent  years  have  witnes:^ed 
the  new  parish  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament,  Hough’s  Neck; 
St.  Joseph’s,  Fore  River;  a new  church  in  Wollaston; 
and  the  church  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  Atlantic,  also  with 
plans  for  a new  edifice. 

St.  Agatha’s  Church,  East  Milton,  is  the  last  in  the 
itinerary.  Built  of  Cohasset  stone,  and  at  the  junction 
of  one  of  the  state  boulevards  with  Milton’s  main  street, 
St.  Agatha’s  is  a delight.  We  salute  the  latest  parish; 
we  congratulate  the  first  pastor,  and  bring  to  an  end 
the  South  Shore  Drive. 

The  after  tea  discussion  at  the  rectory  brought  out 
the  conviction  that  the  experience  of  the  tour  through 
Plymouth  County  disclosed  a new  religious  birth : 

[ 127  ] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


churches  are  found  in  every  city,  town  and  hamlet.  The 
number  of  churches  is  constantly  on  the  increase. 
Schools  begin  to  appear ; religious  communities  are  seek- 
ing locations ; new  people  settling  down.  All  this  gives  a 
warm  Catholic  atmosphere,  hitherto  unknown  in  the 
district.  Ten  years  more  of  the  same  growth  would 
create  a religious  advance  unequalled  in  the  Archdiocese. 

As  we  read  the  notes,  hurriedly  taken,  the  record  is: 
Preliminaries  for  a church  at  North  Randolph,  and  an 
additional  building  in  process  of  construction  for  the 
deaf  and  dumb;  five  new  churches  in  Brockton;  new 
schools  with  convents  in  two  parishes;  one  new  rectory. 
The  Abingtons  have  one  church  enlarged  and  em- 
bellished. New  churches  exist  in  Middleboro,  North  Car- 
ver, Plymouth,  Green  Harbor,  Monponsett,  Scituate 
Harbor,  Nantasket,  North  Weymouth.  Rebuilded 
churches  exist  at  South  Weymouth,  Braintree— three  in 
Quincy;  one  parish  and  church  at  East  Milton.  New 
schools  exist  at  Quincy  and  Brockton,  and  a mission- 
ary college  at  Duxbury.  There  are  at  least  fourteen  new 
rectories. 

We  must  give  thanks  for  the  increase  of  faith, — the 
faith  that  in  early  days  built  St.  Peter’s  Church  at 
Plymouth,  but  has  now  increased  a hundred  fold. 


[128] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


VISIT  VI 

Natick,  Holliston,  Franklin,  Dedham,  Norwood 

A ride  through  the  scenic  valley  of  the  Charles  River 
is  planned  for  the  day’s  outing.  The  start  is  made  at 
Newton  Lower  Falls,  where  the  stream  overflows  the 
rocky  dam  that  holds  the  water  in  check  for  service  to 
the  mills,  seated  on  the  banks.  A short  wooden  bridge 
is  crossed,  and,  instantly,  at  the  fork  of  the  road,  St. 
John’s  Church  and  rectory  appear  on  the  first  rise  of 
ground.  Picturesque  the  setting,  and  ideal  the  church 
for  the  village  Catholics. 

The  breezes  of  Wellesley  Hills  are  refreshing,  and  the 
sun  of  the  early  summer  day  lights  the  shadows  thrown 
over  the  roadway  by  the  giant  oaks  and  elms  flanking 
either  side.  The  machine  makes  the  ascent  slowly  until 
“Oaklands,”  the  site  of  the  Assumption  Academy,  a 
boarding  school  for  girls,  is  reached.  How  fortunate  for 
the  good  Sisters  of  Charity  of  Halifax,  to  have  been 
favored  by  such  an  admirable  location. 

The  splendid  roadway  encircles  the  mount  and  runs 
beneath  arches  of  elms  to  Needham  Centre,  where 
prominent  among  the  important  buildings  are  St.  Jo- 
seph’s Church  and  rectory.  The  church,  newly  built,  is 
an  excellent  type  of  Gothic  design. 

Caution  must  be  used  at  the  railroad  crossing,  and  the 
street  grows  narrow,  so  great  is  the  girth  of  the  giant 
elms  that  for  room  would  apparently  shoulder  off  the 
speeding  auto,  as  it  directs  its  course  to  Wellesley  Square. 

The  new  St.  Paul’s  Church  and  convent  are  at  the  ap- 
proach to  this  square.  Handsome,  of  low  Gothic  con- 

[ 129] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


struction  with  square  tower  front,  the  church  within  re- 
veals a finish  of  artistic  merit  greatly  enhanced  by  the 
beam  exposure.  The  deep  red  brick  of  the  building  it- 
self is  lightened  by  bands  of  limestone.  Altogether  the 
church  is  in  accord  with  the  surroundings  for  it  is  in  the 
shadow  of  Wellesley  College,  one  of  the  largest  women’s 
colleges  in  the  country.  The  grounds,  buildings,  and 
lakes,  within  its  boundaries,  make  it  a fairy  land  of 
beauty. 

At  the  southwestern  boundary  of  Wellesley  College  is 
South  Natick  that  is  in  the  care  of  the  neat  Sacred 
Heart  Church.  The  rectory  is  a colonial  mansion  near 
the  rustic  bridge,  where  the  winding  “Charles”  finds  its 
way  through  the  rocky  basin. 

St.  Patrick’s,  Natick,  was  the  mother  church  and  for- 
merly attended  South  Natick,  which  is  scarcely  one  mile 
away.  The  tourist  must  alight  and  be  gladdened  by  the 
heartiest  welcome  of  the  kindly  pastor,  who  builded  t- 
church  and  keeps  it  and  his  home  in  excellent  repair,  o^ 
be  judged  guilty  of  an  unpardonable  offense  in  having 
slighted  a most  genial  host.  Opposite  the  rectory  is  a 
very  desirable  estate,  now  used  by  the  Catholic  Clu'.. 
but  intended,  ultimately,  for  schools  and  convent. 

The  frontier  parishes  towards  the  south  are  easily 
reached  from  Natick.  They  are  “frontier”  by  clerical 
acceptance,  for  both  Springfield  and  Fall  River  Dioce^' 
find  their  boundary  just  beyond.  These  small  parishes 
are  separated  one  from  the  other  by  the  distance  of 
seven  miles  or  more. 

Holliston  is  quickly  reached  from  Natick  by  the  Sher- 
born  Road,— a country  drive  through  peach  orchards, 

[130] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


fruit  noted  in  all  markets.  Holliston  is  a typical  New 
England  town.  Nowhere  outside  our  own  state  and 
a few  states  near  Massachusetts  is  there  anything  in 
character  and  plan  like  the  New  England  town,  for  it 
sprang  from  the  “fathers”  of  the  Congregational  sect. 
The  Congregational  Church  is  the  prominent  building 
fronting  the  town  green,  or  common,  and  not  far  removed 
from  the  church  are  the  Public  Library,  High  School 
and  Town  Hall.  Every  real  New  England  town  pos- 
sesses these  notes  of  recognition.  They  were  the  visible 
expressions  of  Congregationalism,  the  agencies  by  which 
“community  welfare”  activities  were  conducted.  Hol- 
liston is  of  this  class. 

The  Catholic  Church  and  rectory  invaded  the  sacred 
precincts.  They  occupy  an  entire  square,  opposite  the 
Congregational  Church.  The  church.  Gothic  with  high 
steeple  and  gilt  cross,  is  not  mediocre. 

Holliston  is  typical  in  another  respect.  In  early  days 
small  industries  and  carefully  tilled  farms  brought  pros- 
perity to  a thrifty  people.  Latterly,  the  great  corpora- 
tions of  the  country  have  smothered  the  small  business 
man  and  the  single  farmer.  The  change  was  a blight 
upon  the  small  town  of  New  England.  Holliston  is  only 
a sample,  but  of  such  kind  that  the  late  novelist,  Kate 
Wiggins,  abided  in  the  “abandoned  farm”  which  she 
purchased,  and  wrote  the  story  of  the  “Rebecca  ot 
Sunnybrook  Farm,”  weaving  the  scenes  into  the  narrative 
and  selecting  some  of  the  characters,— and  of  these  there 
seemed  to  be  no  dearth. 

Medway  is  the  next  town  en  route,  and  was  at  first  a 
mission  to  Holliston.  The  church  is  almost  a duplicate 

[131] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


of  the  one  in  Holliston  and  the  patron  is  St.  Joseph.  A 
colonial  mansion,  the  former  home  of  some  prosperous 
manufacturer  departed,  is  the  rectory. 

There  are  two  missions  attached  to  the  Medway 
parish,  St.  Brendan’s,  North  Bellingham  and  tne  town 
of  Minis.  These  memorials  of  past  times  serve  to  re- 
count the  labors  of  the  clergy  then  living.  Let  it  be  said 
that  even  the  pioneers  in  these  out-of-the-way  places  did 
not  surpass  the  present  day  priests  by  self  sacrifices  in 
behalf  of  their  people.  In  the  instance  of  the  Medway 
pastor  and  assistant,  each  drives  twelve  miles  to  the  mis- 
sions in  order  that  the  scattered  Catholics  may  have  Mass 
and  the  Sacraments.  The  laudable  policy  of  holding 
fast  to  what  has  been  accomplished  is  here  nobly  ex- 
emplified, but  there  is  not  the  slightest  chance  of  pro- 
gressing by  even  one  foot  before  another. 

Franklin,  the  very  next  parish  tc  Medway,  is  the  home 
of  many  descendants  of  the  early  settlers,  and  the  air 
and  dignity  of  family  lineage  are  to  be  noted  in  the  bear- 
ing and  manners  of  the  people. 

The  pastor  came  to  Franklin  while  the  ruins  of  the 
first  church  were  still  smoking;  the  building  had  been 
burned  to  the  ground.  The  temporary  church,  provided 
by  the  former  school,  was  also  destroyed  by  fire  the  last 
spring.  Undismayed,  he  immediately  made  plans  for  a 
handsome  brick  church.  Already  the  pastor  has  a build- 
ing closed  in  and  pushing  on  to  completion.  The  site  is 
in  the  centre  of  the  town.  It  is  a square  by  itself, 
bounded  on  three  sides  by  radiating  streets. 

The  last  frontier  town  in  the  visit  is  Foxboro  and  its 
mission  of  Wrentham.  St.  Mary’s  Church  keeps  the 

[ 132  ] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


deposit  of  faith,  and  along  with  parish  duty  the  ener- 
getic clergy  visit  the  State  Hospital  within  their  precinct. 

Not  unreluctantly  we  drive  homeward.  Interest  re- 
vives as  the  pretty  town  of  Sharon  appears,  seated  in 
the  hills.  At  its  feet  are  the  waters  of  the  lovely  lake, 
the  mecca  of  church  gatherings  a generation  ago.  On 
Sharon  Heights  the  Brothers  of  the  Sacred  Heart  have 
opened  their  novitiate  that,  without  doubt,  will  bring 
blessings  upon  the  Archdiocese.  The  pretty  church  of 
Our  Lady  of  Sorrows  and  the  rectory  bespeak  the  faith- 
fulness of  pastor  and  people. 

With  reverential  feeling  we  approach  Canton.  A stop 
is  made  in  the  churchyard  of  St.  John. 

Stoughton  is  now  a parish  with  schools  and  even  a 
Catholic  Club.  The  vigorous  discharge  of  duty  still 
avails  at  St.  John’s.  There  is  a new  convent  for  the 
parish  schools ; a long  felt  need  has  been  supplied  at  last. 

At  the  rear  of  St.  John’s  property,  but  with  frontage 
on  the  side  roadway,  is  St.  Clement’s  School  for  Boys, 
established  the  last  year  by  His  Eminence.  At  this 
school  boys  of  tender  years  may  be  boarded  and  trained 
rather  than  be  placed  in  some  institution,  should  death 
or  some  grave  reason  have  deprived  them  of  parental 
care.  St.  Clement’s  was  formerly  the  novitiate  of  the 
Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  and  remains  under  their  charge. 
Its  success  indicates  the  need  of  a school  for  children  of 
this  class. 

Passing  out  St.  Clement’s  gateway  it  seems  no  time 
before  the  Canton  meadows  are  crossed  into  Norwood 
and  Walpole.  There  is  an  exceptional  church  at  Wal- 
pole, a fine  brick  building,  interiorily  arranged  so  that 

[133] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


the  sacristy  may  serve  as  chapel  and  part  of  the  auditor- 
ium. A visit  to  the  church  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament  is 
worth  while.  On  the  Walpole  Road  some  distance  ahead 
is  St.  Edward’s  Church,  Medfield.  The  pastor  is  also 
chaplain  to  the  Medfield  State  Hospital. 

St.  Catherine’s  Church,  Norwood,  one  of  our  recent 
churches,  is  pointed  out  to  visitors  as  one  of  exceptional 
merit.  St.  Catherine’s  is  another  example  of  the  newer 
and  more  tasteful  churches,  which  are  being  constructed 
for  the  faithful  and  to  the  glory  of  the  Lord. 

Besides  St.  Catherine’s,  St.  George’s  for  the  Lithuan- 
ians, and  St.  Peter’s  for  the  Poles,  make  a trinity  of 
churches  to  provide  every  spiritual  want. 

The  stone  church  and  stone  rectory,  specimens  of 
Gothic  style,  builded  out  of  Dedham  granite  and  brown- 
stone,  evince  the  architectural  taste  of  the  scholarly  pas- 
tors who  served  for  so  many  years  at  St.  Mary’s.  When 
schools  shall  have  been  erected  the  exhibit  of  parish 
buildings  must  challenge  most  favorable  comparison. 

Flowing  along  peacefully  to  the  front  of  the  church  is 
the  Charles  River.  The  drive  along  the  banks  is  inter- 
rupted by  the  change  of  direction  that  brings  the  tourist 
to  Readville  and  to  St.  Ann’s— a parish  of  only  a few 
years  standing.  Rectory,  basement,  chapel  and  schools, 
arranged  for  in  the  past  five  years,  give  evidence  of 
energy  and  drive. 

As  we  retrace  the  way  a short  distance  to  East  Ded- 
ham*, Moseley’s  on  the  Charles  is  reached,  and  Centre 
Street,  one  of  the  finest  roadways  in  all  Boston,  points 
the  way  to  the  great  city.  The  broad  thoroughfare,  with 
ample  room  for  motorists,  imparts  a feeling  of  security 

[134] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


and  ease.  St.  Theresa’s  Church,  West  Roxbury,  is  passed, 
but  thereafter  through  the  woodland  and,  for  the  most 
part,  unpopulated  district,  no  cross  appears  until  Forest 
Hills  is  reached.  Close  beside  the  Faulkner  Hospital 
the  sacred  emblem  is  seen  upon  the  recently  acquired 
property  that  serves  as  Mother  House  of  the  Sisters  of 
St.  Francis  of  Assisi.  These  noble  women  are  teaching 
the  children  of  the  Italian  immigrants. 

Centre  Street  conducts  one  to  Jamaica  Plain  Parkway. 
Turning  west,  in  very  few  minutes  the  church  of  St. 
Lawrence  ensconced  amid  foliage  is  brought  to  view.  A 
visit  is  foregone  until  some  other  day  in  order  that  we 
might  see  the  Mother  Parish  of  St.  Mary’s.  Surely,  the 
Brookline  Parish  is  complete  in  every  respect,  and  its 
fine  group  of  buildings,  church,  schools,  rectory  and  con- 
vent delight  the  eye  of  every  good  Christian. 

Coolidge  Corner  and  Pleasant  Street  mean  St.  Aidan’s 
Parish,  only  about  a dozen  years  old.  The  growth  of 
this  parish  was  far  beyond  calculation.  The  rectory  has 
been  recently  enlarged  and  new  land  purchased  for  future 
requirements.  The  efficient  pastor  of  St.  Aidan’s  aims 
to  develop  it  into  one  of  the  finest  of  all  the  parishes. 

In  the  after  tea  recapitulation  it  was  agreed  that  the 
section  traversed  seemed  to  be  wedged  between  the  high- 
ways of  travel,  and  the  farther  the  distance  from  the 
centres  of  population  the  less  chance  was  there  for 
growth  in  the  outlying  parts.  The  abandoned  farm  and 
diminished  industries  told  the  story.  A great  deal  was 
to  be  said  of  the  progress  of  the  church  in  less  removed 
centres. 


[ 13S] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


New  churches  erected  numbered  ten;  new  parishes, 
four;  new  rectories,  three;  new  convents,  two;  religious 
novitiates,  two.  The  old  parishes  doing  efficient  work 
of  the  highest  order,  like  fortresses,  stand  secure  on  the 
frontier;  the  new  churches  are  fine  specimens  of  service 
and  architectural  taste ; the  priests’  homes  are  homes  in 
reality.  Best  of  all,  the  religious  are  seeking  establish- 
ments in  these  quiet  parts,  which  means,  if  history  shall 
be  repeated,  fine  advancement  in  the  days  immediately 
ahead. 


[ 136  ] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


VISIT  VII 

Wayland,  Framingham,  Marlboro 

The  “new  and  the  old”  claim  constant  notice  during 
the  itinerary  which  is  planned  for  the  seventh  auto  tour 
of  the  Archdiocese.  The  roadway  itself,— “The  Con- 
necticut Turnpike”  of  ye  olden  days,— is  a forceful  re- 
minder of  the  past,  when  it  served  as  the  air  line  tour 
to  the  Nation’s  metropolis.  Branching  from  the  state 
highway  at  the  Wayland  town  line,  it  skirts  lakes  and 
streams  and  hillsides,  affording  at  each  stage  of  the  trip 
a fresh,  new  panorama  of  scenic  delight. 

Before  reaching  the  interesting  point  on  the  turnpike 
the  mission  church  of  St.  Anne  at  Wayland  is  passed, 
solitary  and  silent  in  the  green  field,— mission  to  St 
Zepherin’s,  Cochituate,  an  obscure  village  three  miles 
westward. 

A chapter  of  the  past  events  is  spread  out  at  Saxon- 
ville,  a small  mill  town.  English  workmen  settled  this 
town  and  placed  the  church  under  the  patronage  of  St. 
George.  These  colonists  were  cloth  weavers  and  even  to 
this  day  the  looms  turn  out  products  unexcelled  in  the 
market.  Saxonville  dwindled  in  population  for  the 
turnpike  fell  gradually  into  disuse  by  the  building  of  the 
Boston  and  Albany  Railroad.  Travel  abandoned  the  old 
route.  Pastors  at  Saxonville  have  stood  unfalteringly  at 
their  posts  of  duty  and  kept  St.  George’s  Church  and 
rectory  ready  and  alert  for  any  change. 

Upon  leaving  Saxonville  the  tourist  proceeds  slowly, 
for  he  is  reluctant  to  miss  the  beauties  of  the  dell  through 
which  he  is  passing  on  the  way  to  Framingham  Centre. 

[137] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


The  story  of  “the  Centre”  is  one  of  former  greatness 
departed. 

The  town  common,  much  below  the  level  of  the  main 
street,  is  like  a sunken  garden.  Churches,  schools,  and 
public  buildings  front  the  area.  With  many  elms  it 
somewhat  resembles  a college  campus. 

St.  Bridget’s  Church  marks  the  arrival  of  the  Irish 
immigrant.  The  building  is  small.  Some  dozen  years 
ago,  when  it  was  made  into  a separate  parish  from  St. 
Stephen’s  at  South  Framingham,  a new  rectory  was 
purchased. 

St.  Stephen’s  and  its  rectory  are  prominently  located 
on  the  main  street;  land  on  which  to  build  schools  has 
been  purchased.  The  Women’s  Prison,  Sherborn,  is 
looked  after  spiritually  by  the  priests  of  the  parish. 

A new  church,  dedicated  to  St.  Tarcisius,  is  doing 
efficient  work  for  the  large  Italian  population  who,  at- 
tracted by  the  various  industries,  recently  settled  here. 

Almost  in  the  midst  of  these  children  of  Sunny  Italy 
the  normal  school  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  is  located. 
“Bethany”  it  has  been  christened  by  the  Cardinal.  Seated 
along  the  brow  of  a high  bluff  and  looking  down  upon 
Lake  Waushakum,  this  farm  of  many  acres  is  a real 
dreamland.  The  adjacent  estate  is  the  “Rest  House”  in 
memory  of  Archbishop  Williams. 

Enraptured  by  the  visit  to  Bethany,  we  take  the  road 
for  Ashland.  At  the  top  of  Ashland  Hill  the  view  of  fhe 
country  is  entrancing;  below  are  lakes  and  castellated 
homes  and  running  streams. 

Ashland  itself  is  the  first  of  the  frontier  towns  along 
the  northerly  boundary  of  the  Archdiocese.  The  story 

[138] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


is  that  of  the  abandoned  farm  and  business  removals. 
The  Catholic  Church  and  rectory  still  stand  guard,  with 
the  shepherd  and  his  flock. 

There  is  a steep  ascent  of  road  from  Ashland  into 
Hopkinton,  a town  that  has  suffered  much  by  loss  of 
industries.  The  people  love  their  homes,  however,  and 
journey  each  day  back  and  forth  to  South  Framingham 
and  other  towns  in  labor’s  pursuit.  Like  the  Duomo  of 
some  Italian  city  the  large,  granite  church  of  St.  John 
rises  high  above  its  surroundings,  monumental  evidence 
of  the  faithful  allegiance  of  a generous  people  to  their 
beloved,  generous  and  gifted  pastor.  Death  claimed  him 
early,— too  early  his  brethren  were  heard  to  say.  A fine 
rectory  and  grounds  are  attached  to  St.  John’s. 

To  connect  with  Marlboro  one  should  not  think  of 
the  woodland  road,  but  descend  by  the  state  road,  even 
if  the  trespass  upon  the  Springfield  Diocese  brings  the 
traveler  through  Westboro  and  Southboro.  The  detour 
will  be  well  repaid  by  the  lovely  scenery  and  the  country 
homes,  where  dwell  the  scions  of  wealth.  The  Fay 
School  and  St.  Mark’s  School  are  conducted  to  train  and 
equip  their  sons  for  a college  career. 

Quickly  Marlboro,  the  city  of  workmen,  is  reached. 
It  is  a city  builded  on  hills,  but  one  of  the  first  objects 
to  attract  the  eye  is  the  golden  cross  of  the  steeple  of 
the  Immaculate  Conception  Church,  a substantial, 
Gothic  church,  facing  the  library  circle.  At  the  rear, 
the  rectory  and  convent  with  schools  occupy  a square. 
The  pastor  of  this  parish,  some  few  years  before  the 
world  conflict,  erected  the  parish  schools,  which  are 
equal  to  the  best  anywhere. 

[139] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


The  hill  fronting  the  Immaculate  Conception  is 
termed  “French  Hill.”  The  French  people  reside  in  this 
quarter.  The  hill  is  crowned  with  St.  Anne’s  Academy, 
recently  enlarged,  for  young  women,  and  one  of  the  most 
popular  in  New  England.  The  parish  church  is  St. 
Mary’s,  and  its  devoted  pastor  has  builded  this  past 
year  a model  rectory  of  brick  material.  Nor  are  the 
Italian  people  neglected.  His  Eminence  has  created  a 
new  church  for  their  welfare.  The  Franciscan  Fathers 
attend  it. 

Hudson,  some  few  miles  beyond  Marlboro,  is  a thrifty 
town  of  several  industries.  St.  Michael’s  Church  and 
rectory  deserve  a passing  notice.  The  rectory  was  sev- 
eral years  ago  enlarged  and  beautified,  after  which  a 
school  was  built  and  a convent  purchased.  Gleason- 
dale  is  a mission  of  Hudson.  Each  of  these  outlying 
parishes,  it  seems,  has  charge  of  some  mission. 

Maynard,  the  next  town  to  be  visited,  rejoices  in  the 
splendid  church  of  St.  Bridget,  which  cares  also  for  West 
Acton  where  the  church  dedicated  to  St.  Elizabeth  of 
Hungary  recently  was  erected.  Ma)mard  also  builded 
a modern  rectory  to  replace  the  old  house  long  in  use. 

The  Polish  people  of  Maynard  have  their  parish  and 
pastor,  with  a humble  church  dedicated  to  St.  Casimir. 
This  parish  dates  back  only  a few  years. 

The  clergy  of  East  Peperell  on  the  state  border  line  have 
the  double  duty  of  attending  to  St.  Joseph’s,  the  home 
church,  and  to  the  mission  of  St.  John’s  at  Townsend. 

Ayer  is  familiar  to  thousands  of  soldiers,  for 
here  in  war  time  was  the  cantonment  known  as  Camp 
Devens,  where  the  recruits  were  assembled  and  trained 

[140] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


for  conflict.  The  unselfish  devotion  of  the  clergy  for 
the  soldiers  in  those  trying  days  merited  universal  com- 
mendation. Since  the  war  a fine  rectory  replaces  the 
old,  and  Camp  Devens  is  dismantled.  Ayer  is  normal, 
and  the  priests  care  for  the  parishioners  and  those  of 
their  mission  at  St.  Anne’s,  Littleton. 

Groton  is  an  exception  to  her  sister  parishes,  in  that 
there  is  no  mission  church  attached.  This  small  town 
has  the  attractive  church  of  the  Sacred  Heart.  Groton 
Preparatory  School  for  the  sons  of  the  wealthy,  not  of 
the  Catholic  faith,  is  located  here.  Nearby  is  the  town 
of  Shirley  where  there  is  a small  parish  of  St.  Anthony 
with  school. 

The  entire  country  side  is  so  charming,  the  boulevard 
so  well  kept,  and  each  town  of  such  varying  interest, 
that  the  ride  is  purposely  delayed  to  enjoy  it  all. 

The  wayside  notice  informs  us  that  we  are  in  Concord, 
where  “the  shot  was  fired,  that  was  heard  round  the 
world”.  It  has  been  the  home  of  many  authors  and 
writers,  and  for  several  years  the  “School  of  Philosophy” 
flourished  here.  Concord  of  the  “embattled  farmers” 
greets  the  tourist.  First  of  all,  the  Catholic  Church, 
“Our  Lady,  Help  of  Christians”,  invites  a visit.  A sub- 
stantial church  and  a new  rectory  bespeak  prosperity 
and  progress.  The  Concord  Reformatory,  among  the 
largest  prisons  in  the  state,  is  served  by  the  local  clergy. 
How  often  the  prayer,  “Our  Lady  Help  of  Christians”, 
goes  out  from  many  hearts  for  the  unfortunate  ones, 
who  are  closed  behind  the  bars. 

At  last  the  stop  is  made  at  St.  Bernard’s  church.  The 
church,  rectory  and  Knights  of  Columbus  building  oc- 

[141] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


cupy  a conspicuous  part  of  the  town  square.  The  good 
Fathers  of  St.  Bernard’s  also  attend  a mission,  that  of 
St.  Joseph’s  at  Lincoln. 

No  one  visits  Concord  without  making  the  promise 
to  visit  it  again;  there  is  so  much  to  be  seen  in  the 
historic  town. 

Concord  and  Lexington  are  together,  and  the  road 
directly  through  the  town  is  the  one  that  leads  to  Lex- 
ington. Paul  Revere’s  ride  terminated  on  this  highway 
Before  reaching  Lexington  Common,  where  the  first 
blood  was  shed,  we  see  St.  Bridget’s  Church,  well  to  the 
front.  St.  Michael’s  Church  is  a mission  to  this  parish 

Lexington  Common  and  the  statue  of  the  minute 
man  commanded  a reverential  visit  to  the  place  conse 
crated  by  the  red  blood  of  patriots.  Lexington  Common 
should  be  a national  shrine. 

Before  very  long  the  tour  will  be  ended.  On  the  way 
home,  at  Arlington  Heights,  we  are  favored  with  a 
chance  to  see  St.  James’  Parish,  set  apart  by  itself 
within  the  past  twelve  years.  At  present,  the  house  and 
church  are  the  humble  beginnings  of  what  will  be  a 
parish  of  larger  growth. 

The  tour  is  at  an  end.  The  participants  were  in  ac- 
cord that  it  was  one  of  the  pleasantest  and  most  bene 
ficial.  It  visibly  illustrated  the  “old  and  new”  in  the 
spiritual  life  of  the  Archdiocese.  Earnest  priests  were 
found  guarding  the  outposts  and  throwing  up  new  de- 
fences by  way  of  mission  churches,  in  order  that  every 
soul  might  be  fed  with  “Manna  from  Heaven”. 


[142] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


VISIT  VIII 
Cambridge 

It  was  taken  for  granted  that  East  Cambridge  should 
be  the  starting  point  of  the  eighth  auto  trip. 

Within  the  shadows  of  the  Registry,  County  Courts 
and  buildings,  is  the  Sacred  Heart  Church,  stone. 
Gothic,  beautiful  to  the  last  detail.  The  parish  has  a 
rectory,  schools,  convent  of  brick  and  a parish  hall. 
These  buildings  were  of  former  days,  but  almost  all 
have  been  renovated.  The  lower  church  has  been 
builded  anew  and  transformed  into  a most  attractive 
chapel.  The  writer  remembers  when  the  most  influen- 
tial Catholics  in  civic  and  business  life  resided  in  the 
Sacred  Heart  Parish,  but  a change  beyond  words  has 
taken  place. 

Almost  at  the  front  door  of  the  parish  church  are  St. 
Hedwig’s  Polish  Church  and  schools.  Farther  away  is 
the  church  of  St.  Francis  of  Assisi,  under  the  care  of  the 
Franciscans;  it  was  opened  a few  years  ago  and  is  up- 
to-date  in  appearance  and  equipment. 

On  the  western  side  is  the  Portuguese  Parish  of  St. 
Anthony,  recently  erected.  Another  newly  made  parish 
is  St.  Patrick’s,  that  is  caring  well  for  the  faithful  at 
large.  The  Lithuanians  had  been  for  some  time  under 
the  care  of  St.  Patrick’s  Parish,  but  rejoice  today  in 
their  parish  of  the  Immaculate  Conception. 

St.  Mary’s,  long  influential  in  the  activities  of  com- 
munity life,  is  vigorous  and  flourishing.  A new  gym- 
nasium replaced  the  one  burned  to  the  ground  some 
fifteen  years  ago;  a new  brick  school  for  boys  and  a 

[143] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


central  heating  plant,  a large  new  convent,  and  ,at  the 
present  writing,  a fine  rectory  are  the  story  of  steady, 
constructive  work.  Some  improvements  have  made 
the  lower  church  more  safely  comfortable  and  pleasant. 
The  traditions  of  the  past  are  safeguarded  and  the 
future  is  provided  for. 

The  people  of  the  west  side  of  St.  Mary’s  had  long 
desired  a church  in  that  quarter.  At  last  a division  was 
made,  and  a pastor  appointed.  He  gave  Cambridge 
a fine  church  under  the  title  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament 
Parish.  His  work  seemed  only  begun  when  he  was 
called  to  his  reward.  His  successor,  the  present  pastor, 
is  completing  the  work.  The  purchase  of  new  proper- 
ties, and  the  building  of  a fine  school  and  convent  for 
the  Sisters  are  evidences  of  finest  progress. 

On  the  border  line  of  St.  Mary’s  and  St.  Paul’s 
Parishes  are  the  grounds  and  buildings  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  Hospital,  entirely  committed  to  the  care  of  in- 
curables. The  former  pastor  of  St.  Mary’s,  the  Very 
Reverend  Thomas  Scully,  was  the  founder  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  Hospital. 

St.  Paul’s  Church  is  near  Harvard  University.  The 
“College  Church”,  at  one  time  owned  by  the  Congrega- 
tionalists  and  known  as  the  “Shepherd  Congregational 
Church”,  became  the  property  of  Catholics  who  lived 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  University.  After  considerable 
alterations  had  been  made,  it  was  dedicated  and  called 
St.  Paul’s  Church ; here,  the  Catholics  worshipped. 
Meanwhile,  land  was  purchased  and  on  it  schools  were 
erected.  Beside  the  schools  a large  handsome  church 
stands  ready  for  dedication. 

[144] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


It  is  difficult  to  get  possession  of  real  estate  within 
the  college  environment,  but  some  additional  land,  a 
short  distance  from  the  school,  was  secured.  A new  con- 
vent was  prepared,  and  this  year  a high  school  w^as  be- 
gun. In  addition,  the  Newman  House,  parish  property, 
was  set  aside  and  made  ready  for  Catholic  students  who 
attend  the  University.  A new  rectory  in  keeping  with 
the  grandeur  of  the  new  church  is  about  to  be  builded. 
Thus  the  religious  interests  of  the  Catholics  will  be 
amply  provided  for  even  in  face  of  the  territorial  trans- 
formation. 

About  ten  minutes  walk  from  St.  Paul’s  Church  is  St. 
Peter’s  Church,  beautifully  located  on  Observatory  Hill, 
facing  the  grounds  where  the  Harvard  Astronomical 
School  pursues  its  scientific  researches.  This  year  marks 
the  Diamond  Jubilee  of  St.  Peter’s.  Upon  the  arrival  of 
the  present  pastor,  church  and  rectory,  schools  and  con- 
vent were  already  doing  excellent  work.  He  began, 
nevertheless,  to  enlarge,  to  renovate,  and  to  make  mod- 
ern the  parish  property  in  order  that  the  increased  par- 
ochial growth  might  not  lack  spiritual  and  educational 
facilities.  Additional  land  was  purchased  for  larger 
school  accommodations.  All  this  is  accomplished  and  no 
debt,  so  the  report  reads,  is  to  be  found  upon  the  parish. 

Straight  northward,  a mile  distant  from  St.  Peter’s,  is 
St.  John’s  Church,  of  Northern  Italian  Romanesque 
architecture,  a temple  worth  boasting  of.  It  is  situated  on 
the  main  avenue.  St.  John’s  Parish  House,  contributes 
additional  charm  to  the  church  property.  The  rectory 
stands  at  the  rear.  At  the  end  of  the  short  street  front- 
ing one  of  the  city  parks  are  the  splendid  primary, 

[145] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


grammar,  and  high  schools,  that  cluster  around  the  very 
comfortable  convent.  Phenomenal  work,  during  the 
past  fifteen  years,  has  brought  about  a real  achievement. 

A short  distance  from  St.  John’s  is  the  French  Church, 
Notre  Dame  de  Pitie,  another  example  of  the  Ro- 
manesque of  golden  lined  tapestry  brick,  with  low  twin 
towers.  A frontage  with  garden  arrangement  sets  off 
the  statue  of  St.  Jean  D’Arc.  This  church  is  well  worth 
visiting.  Beautiful  interior  decorations  and  a fine  de- 
votional chapel  adjoining  the  main  building  indicate  the 
study  and  care  which  the  present  indefatigable  pastor 
has  bestowed.  Nor  is  this  all.  A fine  community  house, 
garage,  and  a large  open  field  where  new  schools  and 
convent  shall  soon  appear  to  replace  those  now  in  use, 
will  make  the  locality  a real  French  village  grouped 
about  the  great  parish  church.  Since  the  close  of  the 
world  war,  the  pastor  has  performed  all  this  work,  and 
paid  for  it. 

The  drive  along  Fresh  Pond,  and  a glimpse  of  the 
filtration  plant  that  furnishes  the  city  with  the  purest 
of  water  freshened  the  tour  and  enlivened  the  party  for 
further  observations.  A large  section  of  Cambridge 
wedged  between  Watertown  and  Belmont  has  for  long 
years  belonged  to  the  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Mount  Au- 
burn. The  towers  of  the  church,  distinctly  visible  on 
the  landscape,  herald  the  fact  that  the  edifice  itself  is 
Gothic.  Enlarged,  burned  down,  rebuilded  the  past  de- 
cade is  the  story  that  makes  us  understand  why  the 
first  pastor  succumbed  in  his  labor.  The  present  pastor 
has  made  several  improvements  to  the  building,  and  has 
purchased  new  land  for  the  erection  of  schools. 

[ 146] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


The  church  property  at  Watertown  is  extensive.  It 
comprises  the  beautiful  brick,  Gothic  church  on  the  main 
street,  opposite  the  town  common,  the  rectory  at  the 
rear,  the  new  convent,  formerly  the  Townsend  Estate, 
connected  by  sheltered  walk  to  the  schools  that  bounded 
the  church  yard  of  old  St.  Patrick’s.  The  first  church 
is  there,  the  parish  and  school  hall ; the  first  convent  is 
the  high  school,  and  the  grammar  school  is  enlarged. 
The  rear  street  with  the  humble  dwellings  is  now  church 
property  and  the  ownership  precludes  any  unwelcome 
encroachment  upon  the  school  houses  and  playground. 
High  on  the  ridge  is  a boarding  school,  conducted  by  the 
Sisters  of  the  Dominican  Order.  Progressive  policy  and 
educational  standards  seem  to  be  the  aim  of  the  Water- 
town  pastor. 

After  we  cross  the  Leif  Ericson  Bridge  and  proceed 
out  Watertown  Street,  in  about  three  minutes  we  reach 
the  church  of  St.  John  the  Evangelist.  A low  frame  build- 
ing has  served  the  needs  of  the  small  French  colony  up 
to  the  present,  but  plans  are  in  preparation  for  a new 
church. 

Following  along  the  car  track  the  way  is  made  clear 
to  the  Church,  Our  Lady  Help  of  Christians.  Certainly, 
the  grounds,  church,  schools,  and  convent  are  so  thor- 
oughly built  and  well  arranged  in  common  relation  that 
the  group  appears  to  the  beholder  as  harmonious  and 
of  thoughtfully  constructed  unity.  Nothing  seemed 
wanting,  but  the  present  pastor  knew,  in  order  to  make 
the  setting  and  the  work  complete,  that  a high  school 
should  be  added.  A splendid  building  is  now  in  the 
process  of  finishing. 


[147] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


That  this  Catholic  centre  should  be  equipped  super- 
latively, the  Flannagan  Estate  on  line  with  the  church 
has  been  placed  in  the  keeping  of  the  sisters  of  St. 
Joseph,  who  opened  the  boarding  academy  of  St.  Agnes, 
for  young  women. 

The  “Newtons”  are  among  the  most  delightful  sub- 
urbs in  the  country;  the  drives  over  the  winding  roads, 
that  encircle  the  hills  covered  with  lovely  homes,  compel 
admiration.  Newton  deserves,  indeed,  the  appellation— 
“Garden  City.”  Centre  Street  is  one  of  the  most  pleas- 
ant, and  it  leads  to  the  Sacred  Heart  Church,  Newton 
Centre.  The  church  by  its  twin  towers  reminds  the 
visitor  of  the  Spanish  form  of  architecture.  The  interior 
has  been  recently  decorated.  The  new  rectory,  built  in 
the  years  preceding  the  world  war,  is  substantial  and  at- 
tractive. At  the  rear  are  the  new  school,  opened  the 
present  year,  and  the  convent.  Altogether,  the  property 
should  be  a cause  of  laudable  pride  for  the  good  par- 
ishioners and  pastor. 

Newton  is,  indeed,  rich  in  fine  churches.  The  Church 
of  Mary,  Immaculate  Conception  of  Lourdes,  equals  if 
it  does  not  surpass  the  other  churches.  Exteriorly,  it 
is  Lombardic,  of  classic  form ; interiorly  the  altars, 
paintings,  marble  rails,  furnishings  excite  admiration. 

Over  yonder  is  the  Working  Boys’  Home,  which  houses 
over  one  hundred  boys.  At  the  very  beginning  of  his 
adminstration.  His  Eminence  evidenced  his  solicitude  for 
the  Working  Boys’  Home.  He  took  measures  to  have 
the  heavy  mortgages  paid  off,  and  place  it  on  a fine  finan- 
cial basis.  The  present  prosperous  condition  of  the  work 
is  the  satisfactory  result  of  the  early  undertaking  by 
His  Eminence.  r i i 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


From  the  “Home”  we  drive  along  the  woodland  road 
to  St.  Bernard’s  Church,  West  Newton.  St.  Bernard’s 
Chfiirch  was  one  of  the  older  churches  ,and  has  been  in 
service  so  constantly  that  only  slight  repairs  have  been 
made,  as  necessity  demanded. 

When  the  new  pastor  was  appointed  to  take  up  the 
work  of  his  predecessor,  the  first  need  was  the  entire 
renovation  of  the  church  building.  This  required  con- 
siderable outlay,  but  the  work  was  done  in  splendid 
fashion.  Land  was  purchased  for  schools ; the  young 
people’s  activities  were  cared  for  by  the  Catholic  Club. 
The  pastor  became  ill  and  after  some  days  of  lingering 
illness  breathed  his  last.  The  vacancy  was  filled  by 
the  present  pastor  who  has  built  a new  rectory,  and  has 
begun  to  erect  schools  and  convent.  St.  Bernard’s,  it 
would  seem,  is  determined  not  to  be  outdone  by  the 
sister  parishes. 

Who  is  not  acquainted  with  the  great  highway  for 
autoists— Commonwealth  Avenue,— and  who  does  not 
know  of  Auburndale,  the  canoeists’  paradise?  In  this 
lovely  suburb  the  newest  parish  is  made  and  called  “Cor- 
pus Christi.”  Near  the  great  avenue  the  lower  church  is 
rapidly  being  finished,  and  close  by,  stands  the  new  rec- 
tory. The  eyes  of  many  travelers  will  be  gladdened  by 
the  sight  of  the  newer  parish  of  the  Archdiocese. 

At  Norumbega  Bridge  we  enjoyed  watching  the  swan- 
- like  flotilla  of  canoes  on  the  river  surface.  Then  we 
made  our  way  homeward  by  the  road  into  Waltham. 

St.  Charles  Borromeo’s  Church  on  the  nearer  side  of 
the  Charles  River  is  the  first  to  be  met  with,  and  the 
visit  to  this  church  is  well  repaid.  Church  building  and 

[ 149] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


connecting  chapel  occupy  a corner  site  nicely  planned. 
The  church  facade  is  noble ; the  interior  is  well  finished. 
The  rectory  and  convent  are  close-at-hand,  and  at  about 
the  distance  of  one  block  is  the  large  new  school. 

The  common  lies  in  the  centre  of  Waltham.  The  par- 
ish property  of  St.  Mary’s  is  one  block  northward  of  the 
common.  Church,  rectory,  convents  for  the  Sisters  and 
a similar  home  for  the  Brothers,  primary  and  grammar 
schools  and  a handsome  high  school,  such  is  St.  r^Iary’s. 
The  renovation  of  the  older  buildings  is  in  accordance 
with  the  policy  of  holding  firmly  to  the  past ; the  build- 
ing of  the  high  school  takes  care  of  the  future.  Is  not  this 
sufficient  glory  for  any  pastor? 

The  French  neighbors  may  pride  themselves  in  St. 
Joseph’s  Church  and  schools. 

His  Eminence  is  anxiously  watching  over  the  Italian 
people,  and,  within  the  year,  he  has  sent  the  Franciscans 
to  Waltham.  A church,  the  Sacred  Heart,  has  been 
opened  for  the  convenience  of  the  Italians,  who  live  in 
this  city.  Here  also  is  the  Novitiate  of  the  Congregation 
of  Notre  Dame,  extensive  and  retired. 

Beaver  Brook  Boulevard  is  one  of  the  pleasant  drives 
into  Waverley,  where  St.  Luke’s  Church  and  rectory  are 
visited,  likewise,  St.  Dominic’s  Academy  for  girls  under 
the  care  of  the  Dominican  Sisters.  A few  years  ago 
the  Waverley  Parish  was  separated  from  Belmont;  al- 
ready, it  is  growing  successfully. 

St.  Joseph’s  Church,  Belmont,  never  fails  to  interest 
the  visitor.  It  seems  to  fit  into  the  place.  This  is  no 
little  praise  when  one  remembers  that  the  town  is  very 
picturesque  in  its  home  settings.  The  entire  region  is 

[ 150] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


so  lovely,  in  fact,  that  the  more  prominent  features  have 
suggested  names  for  the  streets;  Lake  Street  and  Pleas- 
ant Street  are  still  remembered.  By  the  latter  road 
the  next  run  was  on  to  Arlington  distant  about  one  mile. 

In  Arlington  Centre  are  the  brick  church  of  St.  Agnes 
and  schools.  The  schools  no  longer  are  adequate  for  the 
increase  of  pupils,  and  plans  are  in  preparation  for  a 
larger  school.  Already,  the  land  has  been  bought,  and 
a fine  new  convent  has  been  provided. 

Massachusetts  Avenue  is  near,  and  Harvard  University 
may  be  reached  in  about  fifteen  minutes. 

In  the  after-tea  resume  of  the  day’s  tour,  the  follow- 
ing data  were  disclosed : new  churches  in  Cambridge,  six ; 
churches  completely  renovated,  three;  new  parishes 
made,  three;  new  rectories,  four;  convents,  five;  school 
buildings,  five;  guilds,  six;  nursery  of  Knights  of  Co- 
lumbus, one:  Watertown— churches  rebuilded,  one;  new 
church,  one:  Newton — new  schools,  four;  academies, 
one;  rectories,  two;  convents,  two;  church,  one:  Au- 
burndale,  church,  one:  Waltham,  churches  two;  schools; 
two,  rectories,  two;  convent,  one:  Belmont,  new  church, 
one:  Arlington— convent,  one. 

The  impression  of  the  day’s  travel  was  that  the  cities 
and  towns  visited  indicated  building  activities  more  than 
any  place  thus  far  visited,  due  apparently  to  the  transit 
facilities  and  the  healthy  places  which  are  ideal  for 
home  surroundings,  and  even  for  industrial  advantages. 


[151] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


IX 

Boston,  South  Boston,  Dorchester 

The  prospect  of  a visit  to  South  Boston  arouses  in- 
terest. This  stronghold  of  the  faith  is  doing  excellent 
work  despite  the  changes  in  business  and  in  population. 
Thousands  born  and  reared  in  the  peninsula  have  moved 
away,  but  the  places  vacated  have  been  rapidly  filled  by 
new  arrivals,  some  of  whom  speak  a strange  language, 
but  all  are  children  of  the  church. 

The  outerpost  is  guarded  by  the  Church  of  St.  Peter 
and  St.  Paul.  Formidable,  as  in  the  early  days,  when 
it  was  the  one  church,  for  miles  around,  this  splendid 
Gothic  church  of  granite,  cruciform  in  shape,  with  lan- 
cet windows  stands  defiant  even  against  threatened  en- 
croachment by  the  railroad.  The  doors  are  open  to 
throngs  of  the  faithful;  the  schools  have  a large  at- 
tendance. May  not  the  prestige  of  former  times  yet 
return  ? 

As  we  proceed  along  Broadway  there  are  parishes  on 
either  hand;  the  Church  of  the  Most  Holy  Rosary,  St. 
Peter’s,  Lithuanian,  the  venerated  St.  Vincent  de  Paul, 
each  in  splendid  material  condition. 

Turning  from  Broadway  into  Dorchester  Street,  we 
behold  the  Heights  that  record  the  evacuation  of  Boston, 
March  17,  1776,  and,  on  the  summit,  the  Catholic  Carney 
Hospital,  that  has  been  a kindly  mother  to  suffering  hu- 
manity for  many,  many  years. 

St.  Augustine’s,  (old  and  new),  the  schools,  rectory, 
and  convent  form  a splendid  grouping.  The  schools 

[152  1 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


have  just  been  enlarged  and  renovated.  Everywhere  re- 
newed activities  are  evidenced.  Slightly  to  the  west  of 
St.  Augustine’s  is  the  former  mission,  now  St.  Monica’s 
Parish.  The  original  character  of  the  rectory  and  church 
are  quite  changed,  because  of  the  additions  and  reno- 
vations that  have  been  made.  Its  convenience  to  the 
homes  of  a dense  population  would  seem  to  warrant  a 
bright  future  and  a more  sightly  structure. 

Circling  Dorchester  Heights  by  way  of  Seventh  Street, 
the  fine  parish  of  the  Gate  of  Heaven  is  reached.  The 
church  is  a miniature  Rheims  with  beautiful  golden 
windows.  It  should  be  better  known  and  more  fre- 
quented by  some  of  the  thousands,  who  throng  the 
Parkway  just  beyond.  Boston  is  noted  for  its  public 
and  private  schools.  They  have  been  erected  in  con- 
formity with  building  requirements  of  a very  exacting 
character,  but  the  school  which  has  been  completed  and 
opened  this  year  is  regarded  as  ideal  for  service  and 
artistic  value. 

Quietly  and  steadily  the  pastor  of  St.  Eulalia’s  has 
provided  a convent,  a new  rectory,  and,  very  recently, 
a fine  brick  building  and  garden  site,  where  there  was  a 
special  school  for  Protestant  children.  The  high  school 
girls  will  undoubtedly  be  accommodated  by  the  pur- 
chase, and  they  may  well  boast  of  their  fine  school 
building.  Diagonally  from  the  rectory  stands  a splen- 
did building,  the  home  of  Pere  Marquette  Council, 
Knights  of  Columbus. 

Farragut  Park,  one  of  the  finest  maritime  parks  in 
the  land,  is  situated  at  the  head  of  the  Strandway,  and 
forms  the  boundry  of  St.  Eulalia’s  Parish. 

[1S3] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


Quite  unexpectedly  the  Strandway  joins  Columbia 
Road  Boulevard,  and  at  the  same  moment  the  tourist 
beholds  St.  Margaret’s  Parish,  Dorchester.  The  church, 
rectory,  and  school  face  the  Boulevard,  while  in  an  in- 
tersecting street  the  convent  and  a new  school  for  prim- 
ary grades  are  visible.  Indeed,  this  is  a model  parish ! 

Some  distance  away  are  the  Polish  Church  of  Our 
Lady  and  the  school. 

A turn  in  the  opposite  direction  and  a ride  of  a quarter 
of  an  hour  leave  the  tourists  at  the  door  of  St.  William’s, 
one  of  the  newest  and  most  successful  parishes.  The 
church  site  commends  itself  to  the  observer.  St.  Mary’s 
Infant  Asylum  on  Mt.  Everett,  and  St.  Mi^garet’s  Hospi- 
tal, the  latest  of  our  institutions  for  the  sick,  stand  near- 
by. Four  parishes  were  set  off  from  St.  Peter’s,  Meeting 
House  Hill.  The  first  two  were  St.  Margaret’s  and  St. 
William’s;  at  Upham’s  Corner,  St.  Paul’s  was  designa- 
ted; and  St.  Ambrose  Parish  at  Field’s  Corner. 

On  the  eminence,  away  from  the  traffic  of  the  main 
street,  a new  stone  church  appears.  The  corner  stone 
was  laid  a few  months  ago ; now  the  walls  and  roof  stand 
finished.  St.  Paul’s  is  a becoming  daughter  of  St.  Peter’s. 
When  complete  this  building  will  be  among  the  finest 
types  in  Boston  and  vicinity. 

How  commanding  is  the  site  of  St.  Peter’s  Church 
and  parish  buildings! 

St.  Ambrose  Parish  is  rapidly  completing  the  upper 
church.  The  present  pastor  laid  the  foundation  of  this 
and  now  anxiously  awaits  the  day  of  dedication  of  this 
handsome  brick  church  of  modern  type  and  equipment. 
He  is  to  be  praised  for  all  that  has  been  thus  far  ac- 
complished. r 1 ^54  1 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


Somewhat  off  the  direct  line  of  public  travel,  but  on  a 
broad  and  important  thoroughfare  and  quite  consider- 
ably beyond  St.  Ambrose  Church,  is  St.  Ann’s,  Neponset. 
The  new  church,  well  located,  is  a modest  one  of  brick. 
The  brick  school  and  the  convent  are  on  the  same  land 
plot ; the  rectory  is  removed,  for  it  was  builded  in  former 
days  to  serve  the  original  church  when  the  parish  was 
made. 

Retracing  the  route,  notice  must  be  given  to  the  Daly 
Industrial  Home,  a training  school  for  home  science 
and  trades  for  maidens  whose  lives  will  be  taken  up  by 
such  occupations. 

Again,  salute  is  made  to  St.  Ambrose  in  passing,  and 
the  straight  line  of  travel  is  taken  for  St.  Mark’s  Church, 
Ashmont  District. 

The  record  of  St.  Mark’s  Parish  is  an  exceptional  one. 
Durkig  the  last  fifteen  years  church,  schools,  and  con- 
vent have  been  reared  and  paid  for,  while  two  years  or 
so  before  the  parish  rectory  was  built.  The  school  is 
visited  by  many  who  inspect  its  fireproof  construction 
and  safety  exits. 

After  we  had  seen  St.  Mark’s,  it  was  gratifying  to  find 
the  parent  church,  St.  Gregory’s,  well  equipped  with  its 
splendid  new  school  and  convent.  Everything  seemed 
to  indicate  an  earnest  endeavor  to  enhance  the  glorious 
record  of  St.  Gregory’s  of  the  past  by  religious,  educa- 
tional and  social  advancemei^t,  as  local  circumstances 
demanded. 

We  were  a little  curious  to  visit  St.  Matthew’s  Church. 
The  distance  is  not  great,  for  St.  Matthew’s  is  an  off- 
shoot of  St.  Gregory’s  of  old.  St.  Matthew’s  Church 

[1S5] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


and  rectory  were  also  builded  within  the  fifteen  year  per- 
iod. A fine  church  and  house  complete  the  parish  pro- 
perty . There  is  something  yet  to  be  done  to  the  upper 
church  which  was  first  opened  for  the  funeral  of  the 
pastor,  who  planned  the  structure  and  labored  towards 
its  finish.  The  sanctuary  aw’aits  the  marbel  altar  w'hich 
was  quarried  and  fashioned  in  Italy.  What  sad  memories 
crowd  in  upon  the  mind ! 

The  boundaries  of  the  parishes  wx  have  visited  are 
not  far  apart;  the  same  must  be  said  of  St.  Matthew’s 
and  the  neighboring  parish,  St.  Leo’s.  The  direct  auto 
drive  through  the  cross  roads  consumes  scarcely  five 
minutes,  when  we  reach  St.  Leo’s  Church. 

Much  property  was  acquired  by  this  parish  tor  a 
new  church,  but  like  a freshet  overspreading  the  land 
a tidal  wave  of  Israelites  seemed  to  engulf  the  entire 
locality,  and  prudence  dictated  a stand-pat  policy  to  see 
if  the  waters  would  deepen  or  recede.  St.  Leo’s  holds 
to  the  moorings.  During  the  past  weeks  ft  has  been 
repaired  and  beautified.  Franklin  Field  is  not  far  from 
St.  Leo’s  Church.  Blue  Hill  Avenue,  the  broadest  and 
most  serviceable  road  in  suburban  Boston,  leads  straight 
to  the  Blue  Hills  and  the  observatory.  Veiled  in  hazy 
purple  the  dome  shaped  heights  bestow  character  to 
the  horizon.  The  auto  glides  over  the  macadam  road, 
and  we  have  been  so  occupied  with  the  Changing  sights 
that  we  are  hardly  aware  of  the  approach  to  Mattapan 
Square  and  St.  .Angela’s  Church. 

This  fine  church  of  brick  stands  to  one  side  as  if  in- 
terested in  the  passing  show.  Next  to  the  church  is  the 
rectory,  builded  and  finished  in  the  space  of  a decade. 

[ 1S6] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


After  we  cross  Mattapan  Square  it  is  only  a short  ride 
to  the  Church  of  the  Most  Precious  Blood,  Hyde  Park. 
The  entire  side  of  the  sloping  hill  is  not  sufficient,  it 
seems,  for  the  church  expansion.  The  Church,  beautified 
lately  by  the  artistic  glass  windows,  the  rectory  of  a 
few  years,  the  new  convent,  and  enlarged  school  form 
a quartet  of  buildings  that  crown  the  hill  top.  At  the 
foot  of  the  hill  is  the  former  rectory,  changed  into  a 
parish  house  for  the  use  of  various  societies  of  the  par- 
ishioners. 

Close  by,  on  the  roadway  bordering  the  Stony  Brook 
Reservation,  are  the  substantial  church  and  rectory  of 
St.  Adelbert,  the  boast  and  pride  of  the  Polish  people. 

The  return  .to  the  city  proper  is  by  way  of  Hyde  Park 
Avenue,  straight  to  Forest  Hills. 

The  intervening  distance  from  Hyde  Park  to  ]\Iount 
Hope  seems  unusually  long,  possibly  due  to  the  poor  road- 
way, and  the  sparsely  settled  region,  but  there  is  a fea- 
ture setting  in  the  landscape,  the  church  of  the  Sacred 
Heart,  Roslindale,  of  golden  brick  and  brown  stone 
capping.  The  edifice  and  tower  combine  to  exhibit  an 
architectural  unit,  attractive  and  beautiful.  Diagonally 
over  from  the  church  are  the  new  school  and  convent. 

As  we  descend  from  higher  to  lower  levels,  one  of  the 
newest  parishes  and  handsome  churches  is  St.  Andrew’s. 
It  is  English  Gothic,  with  low  side  walls  and  slanting 
roof,  supplemented  by  a horizontal  chapel. 

What  a beautiful  environment  it  is;  the  Arboretum, 
Franklin  Park,  Jamaicaway,— and  hundreds  of  private 
homes  with  lawns  and  shrubbery!  Sharing  in  nature’s 
bountiful  display  of  plant  and  flower  and  tree  is  the  Par- 

[157] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


ish  of  St.  Thomas  of  Aquin,  in  the  early  days  a solitary 
church  in  the  wilderness,  now  one  of  many  in  a bower 
of  beauty. 

The  church  of  “ye  olden  time”  was  sadly  dilapidated, 
but  now  as  one  looks  at  the  copper-covered  pinnacles, 
enlarged  portals,  side  entrances  and  renovated  interior 
lower  and  upper  church,  one  can  only  say  that  it  resem- 
bles a newly  built  structure.  Furthermore,  the  pres- 
ent Right  Reverend  Rector  faced  the  task  of  enlarging 
the  old  school  and  building  additions,  which  are  ample 
and  up-to-date.  The  purchase  of  a historic  estate  to 
serve  for  social  activities  and  Catholic  Club  complete 
the  parish  holdings. 

Not  far  distant  is  the  beautiful  Blessed  Sacrament 
Church.  Surmounted  by  a dome,  of  umbrella  design,  it 
is  fit  abode  for  the  “Eternal  Lord  of  the  Tabernacle” 
whose  name  it  bears.  The  land  area  is  spacious.  The 
central  heating  plant  cares  for  the  church,  rectory,  schools, 
convent,  and  for  the  new  high  school  which  is  to  be 
builded. 

Next  to  the  church  property  is  the  House  of  the 
Angel  Guardian— a home  for  orphans  and  destitute  boys. 

The  first  daughter  to  step  out  from  the  mother  par- 
ish of  St.  Thomas  was  Our  Lady  of  Lourdes.  Our  Lady 
of  Lourdes  is  in  relation  to  the  Blessed  Sacrament  and 
St.  Thomas  as  the  apex  of  a triangle  is  to  the  base 
angles.  The  new  school  and  the  new  rectory  were 
builded  by  the  two  late  rectors. 

In  the  district  nearest  Boston  is  All  Saints  Parish. 
The  church  and  rectory  bear  witness  to  the  depression 
in  business  and  the  removal  of  population.  On  the 

[158] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


opposite  eminence  is  St.  Francis’  Home  for  orphan 
children  of  German  parentage. 

Our  Lady  of  the  Angels,  at  Egleston  Square,  is  the 
very  next  parish.  It,  too,  has  suffered  by  a change  in 
residents.  It  has  a corner  property  with  good  rectory. 
There  is  thus  far  only  a lower  chapel.  The  spacious 
grounds  of  the  Notre  Dame  i\cademy  are  close  beside 
these  last  two  parishes. 

We  skirt  Franklin  Park  via  Seaver  Street,  and  again 
we  come  to  Blue  Hill  Avenue.  We  find  our  course  was 
in  a circle  and  we  have  returned  whence  we  started. 

Near  Seaver  Street  on  Blue  Hill  Avenue  is  St.  Hugh’s 
Church.  It  is  granite,  of  Gothic  architecture,  with  a high 
basement  and,  in  consequence,  an  outside  porch  with 
ascending  steps.  The  church  is  popular  in  the  district, 
and  everyone  rejoiced  when  some  few  years  ago  the  upper 
church  was  finished.  It  is  chastely  adorned  with  marble 
altars.  Near  the  church  there  is  land  for  a rectory,  but 
at  present  the  church  is  a mission  to  the  larger  church  of 
St.  John. 

Also  situated  on  Blue  Hill  Avenue  about  ten  minutes 
walk  from  St.  Hugh’s,  St.  John’s  is  a commodious  build- 
ing and  provides  a large  seating  capacity;  it  was  dedi- 
cated by  His  Eminence  shortly  after  the  same  ceremony 
had  been  held  for  St.  Hugh’s.  The  upper  church  still  has 
traces  of  the  decorator’s  brush ; the  marble  altars  hold  the 
attention  once  the  faithful  enter.  St.  John’s  schools  and 
convent  are  at  the  rear,  but  the  rectorj^  is  not  so  con- 
venient. 

Almost  at  the  junction  of  Blue  Hill  Avenue  and  Dud- 
ley Street  stands  the  Norman  Gothic  church,  St.  Pat- 

[ 1S9] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


rick’s.  Interiorly  it  is  rich  in  windov/s  of  pictured  glass, 
chaste  coloring,  beamed  ceiling  of  walnut  stain,  and  three 
handsome  marble  altars  within  the  spacious  sanctuary. 
The  vestry  connects  with  a model  rectory  of  large  di- 
mensions ; the  parish  boys’  library  is  at  the  Dudley  Street 
side.  The  school,  across  the  street,  has  been  enlarged 
very  recently ; there  is  also  a new  St.  Patrick’s  Convent. 
This  is  not  all.  The  Little  Sisters  of  the  Poor,  who  care 
for  the  aged,  are  the  fortunate  possessors  of  the  entire 
block  beyond  the  church,  and  hundreds  of  the  aged  re- 
ceive shelter  and  ministrations  within  the  institution. 

Near  St.  Patrick’s  School  is  the  Carmelite  Convent. 
It  is  the  mecca  of  many  devout  souls  and  is  favored  by 
His  Eminence  as  it  was  by  his  immediate  predecessor. 
Archbishop  Williams. 

The  time-honored  parish  of  St.  Joseph  is  neighbor  to 
St.  Patrick’s;  it  stands  as  strong  for  the  faith  today  as 
in  the  immigration  period.  The  refreshed  decorations 
are  proof  of  the  careful  attention  of  the  pastor.  The 
rectory,  grounds  and  school  are  thoroughly  equipped,  and 
a new  convent  of  a few  years  standing  affords  a frontage 
that  imparts  finish  and  dignity  to  the  church  property. 

St.  Francis  de  Sales,  Vernon  Street,  another  of  the 
older  Roxbury  churches,  appears  almost  new  because  of 
renovation  and  care.  Not  quite  ten  years  ago  were  school 
and  convent  opened,  so  the  parish  is  active  in  every 
respect. 

The  Mission  Church,  with  its  twin  steeples  of  stone 
and  transept  crowned  with  dome,  is  visible  for  many 
miles.  Many  cathedrals  cannot  compare  with  this 
great  church,  the  home  of  the  earnest  Redemptorist  Com- 

[160] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


munity.  The  ‘Fathers’  residence,  schools,  convent,  and 
a complete  theatre  present  a parish  that  is  ideal.  The 
theatre  is  noted  for  the  production  of  “Pilate’s  Daugh- 
ter” and  other  religious  dramas.  This  church  is  in  a 
district  where  there  are  sixteen  hospitals;  four  priests 
must  be  ready  for  duty  at  any  time.  In  addition,  the 
House  of  the  Good  Shepherd  is  cared  for.  This  institu- 
tion was  forced  to  add  to  its  group  of  buildings.  It  is 
well,  indeed,  that  this  great  agency  for  good  is  so  favor- 
ably situated  and  at  the  centre  of  access  to  all  districts. 

Ten  minutes  more  and  the  five  hours  outing  is  at  an 
end.  At  the  rectory  the  after-tea  discussion  is  prolonged, 
while  the  tourists  gave  their  impressions.  Tallying  off  the 
data,  we  find  the  number  of  new  parishes,  seven;  new 
rectories,  ten ; new  schools,  nine ; schools  enlarged,  reno- 
vated, six ; convents,  seven ; hospitals,  one ; new  churches, 
ten,  and  new  Guardian  Angel  property.  The  size  of 
schools,  the  larger  style  of  rectory  and  the  desire  to  house 
the  Sisters  properly  made  expenditures  heavy.  The  first 
drive  in  Boston  proper  is,  indeed,  profitable. 


[161] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


VISIT  X 
Boston  Proper 

The  tenth,  and  last  auto  tour,  carries  us  through 
Brighton,  a suburb  of  Boston.  Many  have  called  it  the 
“Rome  of  the  Archdiocese,’’  for,  like  the  ancient  city,  the 
several  hills  rising  before  the  view  are  crowned  with 
Catholic  churches  and  institutions,  while  the  lowlands 
are  picturesque  with  homes  of  a contented  people. 

St.  Anthony’s  Parish,  Allston,  borders  on  the  Charles 
River  and  has  the  Harvard  Stadium  within  its  boun- 
daries. St.  Anthony’s  Church  is  of  the  Italian  type, 
stone  with  limestone  trimmings;  there  beside  it  is  the 
rectory  and  farther  on  the  new  school,  which  was  finished 
and  opened  to  class  work  about  two  years  ago.  The 
Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  are  the  teachers. 

Everett  Street  leads  directly  from  the  school  to  the 
Mother  House  of  the  good  Sisters,  Mt.  St.  Joseph’s  Acad- 
emy, which  is  located  on  Cambridge  Street.  The  grounds 
are  attractive  and  trim.  A fine,  new  building  was  added, 
but  already  accommodations  are  cramped,  due  to  the  in- 
creased attendance. 

There  are  very  few  who  can  recall  “Nevin’s  Hill”  in 
the  heart  of  Brighton  as  it  appeared  a score  of  years 
back.  An  abrupt  hill  of  clay  with  scant  verdure  on  the 
sides  and  summit  used  to  pasture  cattle.  Transformed, 
it  has  served  to  change  the  character  of  the  surroundings, 
enhanced  property  values,  and  has  become  a centre  where 
high  schools  are  to  be  erected  by  the  city  and  private 
corporations.  Terraced  slopes  replace  the  steep  clay 
sides,  circuitous  drives  lead  to  the  front  entrance  of  St. 

[ 162] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


Elizabeth’s  Hospital,  the  great  personal  endeavor  of  His 
Eminence.  He  selected  the  location  “Nevin’s  Hill,”  be- 
cause he  foresaw  its  future  beauty.  The  hospital.  Sis- 
ters’ residence,  and  home  of  the  nurses  cap  the  hill. 
Another  building  is  in  process  of  erection.  Behind  the 
hospital,  on  the  very  summit,  is  the  Passionist  Monas- 
tery, whose  red  tile  roof  never  fails  to  hold  the  attention 
of  the  beholder.  This  monastery  is  about  to  erect  a 
Retreatant’s  House,  a heavenly  boon  for  toiling  men, 
who,  weary  and  worried  in  life’s  battle,  hear  the  call 
“Come  unto  Me,  all  ye  who  are  burdened  and  heavily 
laden,  I will  refresh  you.” 

St.  Columbkille’s  Parish  embraces  “Nevin’s  Hill,” 
and  beyond.  It  has  a church  of  former  days,  renovated 
top  and  bottom  by  the  present  pastor,  who  also  erected 
a “Catholic  Institute”  for  the  male  parishioners,  enlarged 
his  schools  and  is  conducting  a “drive”  for  the  building 
of  a much  needed  convent  on  newly  acquired  land. 

Overlooking  St.  Columbkille’s  from  nearby  Oakland 
Hill  is  the  new  parish  of  Our  Lady  of  the  Presentation. 
The  church  is  English  Gothic,  of  stone,  with  cottage 
rectory  after  wonted  pattern. 

After  descending  to  Oak  Square,  the  turn  is  made  into 
Lake  Street  for  the  great  seminary  of  Boston.  But  first 
is  passed  the  Cenacle,  seated  high  upon  Nonantum  Hills. 
This  retreat  house  for  women  was  established  in  the 
Archdiocese  by  His  Eminence  at  the  beginning  of  his 
administration,  and  already  it  is  extending  by  one-half 
the  fine  brick  building  that  the  community  first  erected. 

The  grounds  of  St.  John’s  Seminary,  comprising  more 
than  sixty  acres,  extend  to  Commonwealth  Avenue  and 

[163] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


back  to  Foster  Street.  The  small  lake  in  front,  and 
lands  to  the  rear  of  the  first  seminary  of  fifteen  acres 
were  secured  by  His  Eminence  to  enlarge  the  seminary. 
The  original  building  was  renovated  thoroughly  and  a 
large  addition  made  to  the  front  wing  to  provide  needed 
lecture  halls,  guests’  rooms,  Cardinal’s  apartments  and 
library.  Even  now  the  question  is  whether  or  not  more 
rooms  will  be  required. 

On  the  high  hill  opposite  the  seminary  is  the  Novitiate 
of  the  good  Sisters  of  St.  Francis  whose  labors  count  so 
much  among  our  Italian  brethren. 

To  one  side  is  University  Heights,  the  home  of  Boston 
College.  The  former  President  of  the  University  across 
the  Charles  frequently  boasted  that  their  possessions 
were  unequalled  for  beauty  of  landscape,  but  the  site  of 
Boston  College  outrivals  anything  of  its  kind  in  the  land. 
Our  Cardinal  loves  to  refer  to  Boston  College  as  the 
Oxford  of  America.  The  Jesuit  Fathers  recognize  the 
healthful  location  and,  when  it  became  necessary  to  sup- 
plement their  house  of  studies  at  Woodstock  by  some 
new  school  in  an  accessible  region,  their  choice  was  the 
town  of  Weston,  Massachusetts,  a short  distance  from 
Boston  College.  At  the  present  time  plans  are  in  prep- 
aration for  a large  house  of  studies  at  “Fairview”  on  the 
Concord  Road.  The  incredible  growth  of  Christian  edu- 
cation during  the  last  dozen  years  may  be  visualized  by 
seeing  Boston  College  of  today  and  the  former  buildings 
on  St.  James  Street. 

Commonwealth  Avenue,  at  the  front  of  the  college 
grounds,  conducts  the  visitors  through  the  Fenway,  the 
school  centre  of  Boston.  Every  Catholic  should  be  in- 

[ 164] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


terested  in  Emmanuel  College  in  the  Fenway.  It  is  the 
Catholic  College  for  women,  conducted  by  the  Sisters  of 
Notre  Dame,  aided  by  members  of  the  seminary  staff. 
This  is  an  undertaking  dear  to  the  heart  of  His 
Eminence. 

As  we  hurry  on,  we  glance  at  the  Camden  Street  Home, 
for  orphan  girls,  which  is  in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  St. 
Vincent  de  Paul. 

Our  next  stop  is  at  the  old  Boston  College,  now  the 
Catholic  High  School  with  an  enrollment  of  fifteen  hun- 
dred young  men.  In  a spirit  of  veneration  we  pay  trib- 
ute to  the  memory  of  all  who  worked  unceasingly  for 
the  ideal  now  realized  in  the  new  college. 

The  Immaculate  Conception  is  the  college  church,  and 
it,  too,  has  its  own  record  of  victories  for  the  faith.  The 
church  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  is  midway  of  the 
Cathedral  and  the  old  St.  Patrick’s  Church,  built  in 
“Know  Nothing”  times.  St.  Patrick’s  is  now  set  aside 
for  work  among  the  negroes.  As  auxiliary  to  these  en- 
deavors the  Sisters  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament,  who  dwell 
near  at  hand,  are  trying  to  work  for  the  best  interests  of 
those  placed  in  their  keeping. 

St.  Philip’s  Church  was  built  to  administer  to  the 
wants  of  the  white  Christians.  It  is  a fine  building  of 
brick ; the  grounds  have  been  beautified.  Formerly,  the 
priests  of  the  parish  lived  in  hired  apartments,  but  now 
they  occupy  a new  modern  rectory.  In  addition,  land 
and  buildings  have  been  purchased  for  parish  schools. 

To  reach  the  Cathedral  one  must  see  first  the  “Home 
for  Destitute  Catholic  Children,”  Harrison  Avenue,  and 
then  St.  Clement’s  Home,  and  St.  Joseph’s  Home  for  the 

[165] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


Aged.  These  homes  were  founded  by  His  Eminence, 
and  the  old  people  who  live  in  them  pray  daily  that 
blessings  descend  upon  him.  The  Home  for  Working 
Girls,  another  institution  worthy  of  admiration,  is 
crowded  beyond  capacity. 

As  the  Cathedral  looms  up,  it  takes  on  grandeur  by 
the  improved  surroundings  ordered  by  His  Eminence. 
The  schools  and  convent  are  a late  addition. 

Near  the  centre  of  Boston  is  St.  James’  Church,  for- 
merly the  “Mother  Church  of  Bishops.”  It  zealously 
cares  for  those  of  the  faith  who  labor  at  unseemly  hours. 
The  section  around  St.  James’  may  be  well  termed  the 
“East  Side”;  because  of  its  foreign  population.  Here 
we  find  the  Catholics  of  near  Asia  with  the  Maronite 
Church,  recently  embellished  and  enlarged,  and  the 
Syrians  with  Syro-Melchite  Church,  and  the  Church  of 
Our  Lady  of  Pompeii  for  Italian  Catholics. 

The  major  portion  of  the  Italian  people,  however,  are 
found  in  the  North  End,  where  they  are  cared  for  by  the 
Sacred  Heart  Church  and  St.  Leonard’s. 

St.  Stephen’s,  Hanover  Street,  one  of  the  seven 
churches  within  the  city,  is  now  reduced  from  a large 
congregation  to  a Sunday  attendance  of  four  hundred 
souls. 

The  same  story  may  be  told  of  St.  Mary’s  Church,  in 
bygone  days  the  great  church  of  the  Jesuit  Fathers.  St. 
Mary’s  has  just  celebrated  the  Diamond  Jubilee.  The 
edifice  has  been  beautified,  the  schools  welcome  the 
happy  children.  We  wonder  if  this  glorious  church  will 
ever  see  the  children  of  former  parishoners  return  to 
“dear  old  North  End,”  under  new  and  improved  condi- 

[166] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


tions.  Surely,  the  return  would  gladden  the  hearts  of 
the  Fathers,  who  have  stood  fast  at  the  post  of  duty. 

Across  Warren  Bridge  and  to  Bunker  liilll  This  is 
sacred  soil  where  flowed  the  blood  of  patriots,  but  doubly 
sacred  religion  has  made  it.  The  ceiling,  glorious  Munich 
windows,  spacious  aisles  and  oaken  pews,  fine  organ,  and 
regal  sanctuary  of  St.  Mary’s  beautiful  church  are  de- 
serving of  high  commendation.  The  school,  the  new 
rectory,  the  convent,  and  the  Catholic  Union  Club  House 
run  parallel  to  the  enclosed  grounds  of  the  Monument, 
and  a thrill  goes  through  the  heart  that  prompts  a fer- 
vent Deo  Gratias. 

On  leaving  the  hill  we  must  visit  St.  Catherine’s 
Church,  supposed  to  be  built  near  the  place  where  the 
British  landed  on  that  eventful  day.  St.  Catherine’s 
Church  has  been  thoroughly  renovated  from  roof  to 
foundation  and  re-embellished,  so  our  visit  is  well  re- 
paid. It  has  a fine  rectory.  The  schools  and  convent 
also  show  recent  repairs. 

We  ascend  the  real  Bunker  Hill.  The  stone  church 
of  St.  Francis  de  Sales  is  at  the  very  summit.  The  edifice 
has  been  overhauled,  the  lower  church  remodeled  and 
decorated,  the  sacristies  entirely  renovated,  and  the 
steeple  made  secure.  The  thoroughness  of  the  repairs 
and  the  exceeding  good  taste  in  finish  and  detail  indicate 
the  concern  of  the  present  pastor.  The  rectory,  likewise, 
is  in  first  class  condition. 

Once  more  we  skirt  the  enclosure  where  stands  the 
Monument,  and  follow  the  road  past  the  State’s  Prison 
across  the  bridge  into  the  West  End  of  the  city.  St. 
Joseph’s  Church  still  cares  for  the  people,  and  looks  after 

[167] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


the  inmates  of  six  hospitals,  besides  the  county  jail.  In 
addition,  she  conducts  a mission  church  for  the  Polish 
people. 

Proceeding  along  Charles  Street  into  Park  Square, 
courtesy  demands  a visit  to  the  church  of  Our  Lady  of 
Victories,  Isabella  Street,  and  to  the  very  courteous 
Fathers  of  the  Marist  Order.  Like  the  other  city 
churches,  the  parish  has  suffered  greatly  by  loss  of  popu- 
lation. Two  blocks  away  we  see  the  Holy  Trinity 
Church  for  the  German  Catholics.  The  Jesuit  Fathers 
care  with  solicitude  for  the  parishioners  and  pay  much 
attention  to  the  schools. 

Finally,  the  auto  trip  conducts  us  to  the  last  church 
we  are  to  visit ; it  is  St.  Cecilia’s,  Back  Bay. 

The  Archbishop’s  House,  on  Granby  Street  and  Bay 
State  Road  awaits  a call,  and  on  the  way  over  an  inspec- 
tion of  the  Academy  of  the  Sacred  Heart  on  Common- 
wealth Avenue  requires  a short  visit. 

The  Archbishop’s  House  was  a gift  of  the  priests  to 
His  Eminence  at  the  time  of  his  accession  to  the  office 
of  Archbishop.  An  addition  doubled  accommodations 
of  the  house,  but  today  it  is  crowded  with  the  business 
of  the  Archdiocese.  The  older  building,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  lower  floor,  is  given  to  the  Chancery  work; 
the  same  may  be  said  of  the  new  building  that  now 
houses  the  Society  of  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith.  To 
relieve  the  pressure.  His  Eminence  purchased  a small 
residence  midway  of  his  Seminary  and  the  Chancery, 
where  he  may  be  conveniently  reached. 

Instead  of  presenting  a statistical  chart  with  facts 
and  figures,  it  was  thought  that  the  ordinary  Catholic 

[ 168] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


might  acquire  better  knowledge  of  the  methods  and  pro- 
cedure  of  the  wide,  potential  activities  of  Boston  by 
seeing  the  priest  at  work  among  his  people.  The  auto 
tours  were  devised  as  the  best  means  to  enlighten  those 
interested  and  to  enable  them  to  see  the  visible  works 
of  the  living  active  faith  of  our  renowned  Archdiocese. 

The  writer  himself,  one  may  infer,  from  the  familiar 
references  to  places  and  descriptions  en  route,  has  made 
the  tours  at  various  times.  They  proved  to  be  delightful 
indeed. 

It  is  quite  evident  that  the  essential  objectives  of  the 
journey  were  the  parish  and  its  pastor,  whether  on  the 
frontier  or  in  the  heart  of  the  city.  The  sphere  of  action 
may  be  narrow  or  wide,  but  the  soul  and  spirit  of  en- 
deavor are  the  same.  Each  and  all  of  these  parishes 
are  directed  and  influenced  by  a central  energizing  force, 
His  Eminence,  the  Cardinal. 

During  the  fifteen  years’  administration  of  His  Emi- 
nence, death  has  removed  a majority  of  the  yeomen 
who  administered  the  older  parishes ; thus,  seven-eighths 
of  the  present  pastors,  it  is  computed,  owe  their  ap- 
pointments to  His  Eminence,  the  Cardinal.  There  were 
194  parishes  in  1907.  Since  that  year  82  new  parishes 
have  been  created. 

To  select  pastors  according  to  church  law  require- 
jnents  and,  at  the  same  time,  to  put  the  right  man  in 
the  right  place,  is  no  easy  task.  If  the  older  pastors 
have  in  such  large  numbers  received  the  eternal  sum- 
mons, the  younger  set  contributed  its  quota.  During  the 
influenza  epidemic  sixteen  died,  while  eighty  were  serv- 
ing with  the  colors.  The  depleted  ranks  were  replenished 

[169] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


by  a wise  provision  of  the  Archbishop,  and  vocations 
came  in  abundance.  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  in 
1907  the  Diocesan  priests  numbered  488,  while  in  1923 
the  total  was  652,  besides  22  priests,  not  of  the  Diocese, 
but  who  are  doing  duty.  If  we  add  to  the  total  number 
those  of  religious  orders,  we  find  that  892  priests  serve  in 
the  Archdiocese. 

The  office  of  the  priest  is  varied  both  within  and  with- 
out the  parish.  Fine  discrimination  must  be  exercised  to 
find  the  priest  whose  qualifications  make  him  acceptable 
as  prison  chaplain,  while  yet  other  qualifications  are  nec- 
essary for  him  whose  talents  are  exercised  as  a member 
of  the  Seminary  Staff  of  Professors.  There  is  the  priest 
who  is  engaged  in  scientific  social  work,  while  another 
acts  as  editor  and  publisher.  So  it  is  in  every  department 
of  the  church  administration.  The  priesthood  as  a body 
seems  to  be  able  at  a moment’s  call  to  furnish  a trained 
leader  for  even  unusual,  unexpected  demands. 

Again,  reference  must  be  made  to  the  fine  solution  of 
the  problem  of  supplying  in  the  vacation  months  priests 
for  the  sea-side  colonists. 

Priests  cannot  labor  without  churches  and  proper  par- 
ish equipment.  In  a word,  that  material  side  of  the 
Diocese  is  a stupendous  consideration.  A short  presen- 
tation of  the  number  of  churches  and  the  various  kinds 
of  buildings  will  cause  even  the  experienced  to  marvel. 


[ 170] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


SUMMARY  1907-1923 

NEW  CONSTRUCTION 


Churches  138 

Missions  29 

Rectories  110 

Schools  62 

Convents 20 

Institutions: 

Religious  8 

Charitable  7 

Educational  10 


RENOVATIONS  OR  ENLARGEMENTS 


Churches  69 

Rectories  16 

Schools  34 

Convents 35 

Institutions  37 


Churches 
Missions  . 
Rectories 
Schools  . 
Convents 


NEW 

CONSTRUCTION 

Total 

1907 

1928 

1923 

,194 

• New  Churches.  . . 

. .138 

332 

. 64 

.New  Missions.  . . . 

. . 29 

83 

, — 

, .New  Rectories  . . . 

. .110 

110 

INSTITUTIONS 

Hospitals — New  Hospitals 2 

Religious  Institutions  

Charitable  Institutions  

Educational  Institutions 


2 

8 

7 

10 


[171] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


The  rough  estimate  of  the  cost  of  new  construction 
and  renovation  of  buildings  the  past  fifteen  years  aggre- 
gated over  $20,000,000.  To  ensure  this  expenditure  the 
financial  policy  must  have  been  a sound  one.  His  Emi- 
nence constituted  a Building  Commission  of  certain 
pastors  who  had  had  wide  experience  in  such  matters. 
To  the  members  of  this  board  the  plans,  specifications, 
and  estimated  cost  are  submitted  by  the  pastor  who 
seeks  sanction  to  his  proposed  improvement. 

The  Commission  is  entitled  to  visit  the  site,  confer 
with  the  pastor,  and  advise  in  matters  of  finance.  To- 
gether they  study  the  plans,  and  a written  report  is  for- 
warded to  the  Chancery;  His  Eminence  receives  the 
report,  and  his  word  is  final.  During  his  hours  of 
recreation  of  an  afternoon  His  Eminence  often  makes  a 
visit  to  the  building  under  construction,  interviews  the 
contractor,  and  consults  the  pastor,  for  there  must  be 
strict  accounting  of  expenditures. 

The  Catholic  architect  appreciates  the  Building  Com- 
mission. He  is  assured  of  open-minded  and  just  treat- 
ment. He  recognizes  that  ability  competes  with  ability. 
There  is  a board  of  appeal  for  adjustments.  In  conse- 
quence, a group  of  Catholic  architects  is  at  hand,  who 
have  done  excellent  work  in  all  grades  of  building.  No 
longer  are  churches  cast  in  one  mold.  Religious  build- 
ings are  planned  for  accommodation  to  service  required. 
The  excellence  of  the  work  of  these  men  has  been  heralded 
elsewhere,  and  even  in  other  sections  of  the  country  a 
call  for  similar  work  is  extended  to  them. 

In  conclusion,  it  may  be  frankly  stated  that,  until  we 
had  completed  the  several  above  described  tours  taking 

[ 172  ] 


DIOCESAN  PROPERTY 


us  north,  west  and  south  of  the  Diocese,  to  its  farthest 
limits,  we  never  before  realized  the  glory  and  the 
wealth  of  the  architectural  construction  achieved  in  the 
Diocese  within  the  last  15  years. 

Every  community,  no  matter  how  small  it  be  or 
whatever  its  race  may  be,  is  not  only  well  provided  for 
in  all  that  concerns  worship  and  Catholic  education,  but 
in  a way  which  surprised  us  as  we  went  along.  The 
church  and  the  school,  the  rectory  and  the  convent  re- 
vealed to  our  growing  wonder  not  only  a phenomenal 
growth  in  all  these  fabrics,  not  only  a solidity  of  con- 
struction which  manifested  serious  planning  and  zealous 
work,  but  what  may  be  well  termed  a new  revelation  in 
their  extraordinary  architectural  beauty  and  the  remark- 
able fitness  of  the  sites  chosen.  And  we  venture  to  say, 
after  this  delightful  experience  of  visiting  the  whole 
Diocese,  that  not  one  Catholic  in  a hundred  thousand 
living  within  the  confines  of  this  Archdiocese  has  ever 
realized  the  phenomenal  growth  of  religion  hereabouts. 
It  is  surely  a high  tribute  to  the  leadership,  foresight  and 
intelligent  zeal  which  have  kept  fully  apace  with  all  the 
varied  needs  of  this  vast  community,  known  as  the 
Archdiocese  of  Boston. 


[173] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


A Brief  Historical  Notice  of  the  Spiritual 
Growth  in  the  Archdiocese  of 
Boston,  1907-1923 

BY  Rev.  F.  X.  Dolan,  D.  D. 

In  1907,  the  Venerable  Archbishop  Williams,  filled 
with  years  and  good  deeds,  laid  down  the  reins  of  the 
spiritual  government  of  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston,  and 
God  placed  them  in  hands  with  a younger  and  more 
vigorous  hold,  when  His  Eminence,  Cardinal  O’Con- 
nell, succeeded  to  the  historic  See. 

Taking  as  the  dominating  principle  of  his  spiritual 
administration  the  ruling  thought  of  the  saintly  Pius 
X,  his  friend  and  model,  ‘To  restore  all  things  in  Christ,” 
the  new  Archbishop  of  Boston  set  himself  at  once  to 
deepen,  broaden,  and  extend  the  parochial  and  diocesan 
lines  along  which  his  clergy  were  to  work  in  fulfilling 
their  mission  to  upbuild  the  Mystical  Body  of  Christ. 

To  this  end  an  investigation  of  the  spirituals  of  the 
parishes  was  begun  by  the  Archbishop,  for  the  purpose 
of  exhorting  and  encouraging  the  priests  of  the  Diocese 
to  renewed  effort  and  activity  in  bringing  to  the  high- 
est efficiency  the  spiritual  agencies  of  the  Church. 
Through  the  constant  zeal  and  fidelity  of  the  clergy 
in  their  ministration  and  teaching,  and  under  the  kindly 
and  fostering  influence  of  the  spiritual  leader  of  this 
Diocese,  Boston  has  written  in  letters  that  are  large  and 
bright  a glorious  page  in  spiritual  achievement. 

[177] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


Mass  and  the  Sacraments 

One  of  the  outstanding  spiritual  facts  exciting  the 
wonder  and  challenging  the  interest  of  the  many  outside 
the  pale  of  Christ’s  fold  is  the  sight  of  the  crowded  wor- 
shippers in  the  Catholic  Churches  of  the  Diocese,  which 
have  risen  so  plentifully  up  and  down  the  land.  Sun- 
day after  Sunday  they  come,  in  season  and  out  of  sea- 
son, in  weather  pleasant  and  unpleasant,  near  at  hand 
or  far  distant  away,  as  the  case  may  be.  No  material 
interest  attracts  them  hither.  They  come  rather  to  lift 
themselves  high  up  above  the  sordid  cares  of  everyday 
life  to  the  thought  and  worship  of  the  Eternal  God,  to 
unite  themselves  with  Him  in  prayer— prayer  of  adora- 
tion, of  praise,  of  thanksgiving  and  of  sorrow— and  to 
refresh  their  souls  with  the  Lifegiving  Body  and  Blood 
of  the  Savior. 

In  view  of  this,  how  consoling  to  note  the  steady 
growth  in  the  reception  of  the  Sacraments  and  in  atten- 
dance at  Mass  on  Sundays  and  Holydays  of  Obligation 
throughout  the  churches  of  the  Diocese.  The  parochial 
records  show  the  increase  today  of  236,960  in  the  Catho- 
lic population  of  the  Archdiocese,  and  an  average  at- 
tendance of  800,000,  including  men,  women  ,and  chil- 
dren, at  Mass  on  each  Sunday  of  the  year.  In  har- 
mony with  the  decree  of  Pope  Pius  X,  of  holy  memory, 
on  Daily  Communion,  issued  on  December  24,  1905, 
His  Eminence,  the  Cardinal,  addressed  to  the  priests 
and  laity  of  his  Diocese,  during  the  Lenten  season  of 
1910,  a striking  pastoral  letter  on  this  salutary  practice, 
with  the  happy  result  that  Daily  Communions  in  1922 

[178] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


have  mounted  in  number  to  3,000,000  a year.  First  Fri- 
day and  Feast  day  Communions  have  totaled  4,000,000, 
and  the  number  of  Communions  on  Sundays  has 
reached  the  splendid  figure  of  10,000,000.  All  this  con-  ^ 
noting,  too,  a corresponding  number  of  confessions  that 
were  heard. 

The  pastoral  solicitude  of  the  Cardinal  Archbishop, 
that  all  classes  may  have  opportunity  of  fulfilling  these 
two  basic  duties  of  the  spiritual  life,  attendance  at  Mass 
on  Sundays  and  Holydays,  and  the  frequentation  of  the 
Sacraments,  is  also  admirably  shown  in  what  is  known 
as  the  Night  Workers’  Mass.  This  Mass  was  inaugurated 
in  1904  on  the  appeal  of  a group  of  devout  men,  either 
printers  or  otherwise  employed  by  night  on  the  news- 
papers of  Boston.  The  first  Mass  was  celebrated  on 
the  First  Sunday  in  Advent  in  1904  at  3.30  in  the  morn- 
ing, in  a small  hall  on  Washington  Street,  with  a attend- 
ance of  75.  After  a few  months,  the  numbers  in  attend- 
ance increasing  to  150,  it  was  found  necessary  to  secure 
larger  quarters,  which  was  in  a measure  realized  by  oc- 
cupying a more  commodious  hall  on  Washington  Street 
near  Bromfield  Street. 

In  1914,  through  the  interest  of  the  Cardinal  Arch- 
bishop, this  Mass  celebrated  at  3.30  was  transferred  to 
St.  James’  Church  in  the  South  End,  where,  on  Sundays 
and  Holydays  of  Obligation,  about  800  men  and  women, 
representing  all  classes  of  night-workers  in  Boston,  find 
convenient  opportunity  of  hearing  Mass  and  receiving 
Holy  Communion. 

In  this  connection,  as  making  for  a general  increased 
attendance  at  Mass  on  Sundays  and  the  frequentation 

[179] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


of  the  Sacraments,  it  is  pertinent  to  call  attention  to  the 
important  two-fold  fact  that  during  the  last  decade  and 
a half  parishes  have  increased  from  209  to  272,  and  the 
priests  of  the  Diocese  now  number  679  as  against  493. 
While  we  gather  from  the  Diocesan  Archives  that  dur- 
ing this  period  of  time  the  Sacrament  of  Confirmation 
was  administered  to  282,264  persons,  it  may  be  of  his- 
torical interest  to  indicate  this  growth  by  years,  as  shown 
by  the  following  table: 


1907 

1908 

1909 

1910 

1911 

1912 

1913 

1914 

1915 

1916 

1917 

1918 

1919 

1920 

1921 

1922 


6,898 

13,926 

21,826 

14,665 

8,300 

11,846 

20.692 

19.692 
19,674 
20,029 
16,995 
15,916 
25,301 
20,783 
20,730 
24,991 


Total 


282,264 


l 180  1 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


Church  Societies 

From  the  very  beginning  of  his  administration,  His 
Eminence,  the  Cardinal,  realized  the  necessity  of  solidar- 
ity of  men  and  women  under  his  spiritual  care,  as  a 
means  of  mutual  encouragement  to  one  another,  for  the 
right  performance  of  the  Christian  duties.  By  frequent 
letter,  therefore,  and  timely  and  urgent  word  to  the  pas- 
tors of  the  Diocese,  he  exhorted  them  to  develop  on 
broader  lines  the  two  religious  societies  of  the  Church, 
the  Holy  Name  Society  for  the  men,  and  the  Sodality 
for  the  women. 

Two  outstanding  facts  have  concurred  to  focus  the  at- 
tention of  the  men  of  the  Diocese  on  the  importance  of 
the  Holy  Name  Society,  The  first  had  to  do  with  two 
remarkable  Holy  Name  parades,  the  one  taking  place  in 
Boston  November,  1908,  in  which  45,000  men  had  part 
and  occupying  five  hours  in  passing  the  reviewing  stand 
where  the  Cardinal  Archbishop,  by  his  presence,  gave 
joy  and  gladness  to  the  marchers.  The  other  occurred 
two  years  later  on  October  12,  1910,  in  which  40,000  men 
participated.  Both  these  parades  were  so  remarkable  in 
point  of  military  order  and  discipline,  so  impressive  in 
numbers,  and  commanding  by  reason  of  their  spirit  such 
universal  respect,  that  they  formed  a theme  of  praise  in 
editorials  of  many  of  the  leading  journals  of  the  day. 

The  second  fact  entering  largely  into  the  success  of 
the  parish  Holy  Name  Societies  was  the  systematic  or- 
ganization of  the  Diocese  into  a number  of  small  centres. 
Each  centre  is  made  up  of  a number  of  parishes  and 
presided  over  by  a specially  appointed  Chaplain.  Each 

[181] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


year,  on  the  Feast  of  the  Holy  Name  of  Jesus,  in  Janu- 
ary, the  men  of  the  various  centres  assemble  in  the  ap- 
pointed church— the  church  of  meeting  changing  each 
year— and  there  in  the  Presence  of  their  Lord,  solemnly 
pledge  to  Him  anew  their  fidelity,  and  bind  themselves 
to  renewed  devotion  to  their  Society. 

With  such  solicitude  for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the 
members  of  the  flock,  what  wonder  that  we  find  fathers 
and  sons,  mothers  and  daughters,  reckoned  not  by  the 
hundreds  but  by  the  thousands,  ranging  themselves  joy- 
fully under  the  banner  of  the  Holy  Name  of  Jesus  and 
as  children  of  the  Mother  of  God. 

Parish  Schools  and  Sunday  Schools 
In  any  consideration  of  the  work  of  developing  the 
Christian  virtues  in  the  minds  and  hearts  of  the  people, 
the  question  arises,  what  of  the  children  ? In  the  article 
on  the  growth  of  Catholic  Education  in  the  Diocese,  this 
question  is  fully  and  painstakingly  treated.  Here  it 
suffices  to  say  that  while  the  Catholic  Education  of  the 
child  has  always  been  a matter  of  justifiable  pride  in 
this  Archdiocese,  yet  it  remains  true  that  in  these  later 
years  the  work  of  Catholic  Education  has  gone  on  by 
leaps  and  bounds.  Witness  the  growth  in  the  number 
of  our  Catholic  schools.  During  this  period  of  time,  47 
parishes  have  opened  parochial  schools,  representing  al- 
most one  half  the  number,  117,  in  the  Diocese  today. 

Witness  the  increase  in  the  number  and  efficiency  of 
our  Sunday  Schools,  not  a little  helped,  indeed,  by  the 
salutary  laws  laid  down  in  Synod,  by  His  Eminence, 
that  especially  in  parishes  not  provided  with  a Catholic 

[ 182] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


school,  besides  Sunday,  at  least  one  more  day  in  the 
week  must  be  set  aside  for  gathering  the  children  for 
religious  instruction,  and  this  to  continue  for  at  least 
two  years  after  the  reception  of  the  Sacrament  of  Con- 
firmation. 

Holy  Hour— Novenas—Triduums— Retreats 

To  help  develop  the  love  of  Our  Lord  in  the  Blessed 
Sacrament,  the  basis  of  a true  Christian  life,  the  Holy 
Hour  gradually  has  grown  throughout  the  churches  of 
the  Diocese,  so  that  now  there  is  hardly  a parish  in 
which  this  beautiful  and  comforting  devotion  has  not 
its  place  weekly,  or  at  least  every  month.  Novenas  and 
Triduums  preceding  the  Feasts  of  Our  Lord  and  His 
Blessed  Mother  are  regularly  and  frequently  found 
among  the  parochial  devotions,  and,  by  their  beautiful 
ceremonies,  the  solace  of  prayer  and  simple  eloquence  of 
the  spoken  word,  are  giving  spiritual  courage  and  joy  to 
the  crowds  which  on  these  occasions  fill  our  churches. 

Especial  interest  attaches  to  the  Novena  in  honor  of 
the  Immaculate  Mother  of  God,  which  takes  place  early 
in  December  of  each  year.  In  practically  every  church 
of  the  Diocese,  it  has  now  taken  the  form  of  a retreat 
for  one  week  for  the  women,  in  preparation  for  their 
solemn  consecration  into  the  Sodality  of  the  Blessed  Vir- 
gin Mary.  Similarly,  among  the  special  religious  features 
of  the  parish  churches,  is  the  Annual  Retreat  for  one 
week  for  men,  held  generally  in  conformity  with  the 
Cathedral  church,  during  the  holy  season  of  Lent.  Dur- 
ing these  one  week  retreats  no  fewer  than  300,000  wo- 
men and  200,000  men  are  in  attendance  each  year. 

[183] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


Missions 

One  of  the  outstanding  spiritual  means  blessed  and 
richly  indulgenced  by  Holy  Mother  Church,  which  helps 
so  wonderfully  to  develop  piety  and  fervor  in  the  people, 
is  the  Mission.  The  Mission  is  a spiritual  exercise  oc- 
cupying from  one  week  to  sometimes  four  weeks,  and 
conducted  by  Religious  whose  special  work  this  is.  It  is 
not  for  a special  class,  but  for  all  the  people,  men,  wo- 
men, and  children.  Through  it  the  good  are  confirmed 
in  grace,  the  indifferent  aroused,  the  sinful  restored  to 
God’s  favor,  and  a general  reformation  effected.  Through 
the  spiritual  foresight  and  solicitude  of  His  Eminence, 
from  the  very  beginning  of  his  accession  to  the  See  of 
Boston,  the  Mission  was  given  a prominent  place  among 
the  manifold  spiritual  agencies  of  the  parish,  and  each 
year  or  at  most  every  two  years  this  spiritual  awaken- 
ing has  exercised  its  beneficent  influence  in  every  church 
of  the  Diocese. 

All  this  bespeaks  the  constant  zeal  and  fidelity  in  spir- 
itual ministration  and  teaching  on  the  part  of  an  en- 
lightened, pious  and  devoted  clergy,  who  are  ever  striv- 
ing to  live  out  in  their  days  the  injunctions  of  the  Apos- 
tle: “To  be  so  accounted  as  of  the  ministers  of  Christ 
and  the  dispensers  of  the  mysteries  of  God”— a ministry 
made  the  happier  and  more  successful  by  the  kindly  and 
fostering  influence  of  the  spiritual  leader  of  this  Diocese, 
a ministry  forever  knitting  together  Cardinal,  priest  and 
people  in  the  holy  bonds  of  spiritual  exchange,  and  carry- 
ing to  full  bloom  the  spiritual  flowers  whose  seed  was 
planted  and  watered  by  the  toil  and  sacrifices  of  the 
older  generations.  riQ.ii 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


Houses  of  Retreats 

To  deepen  still  more  the  wellsprings  of  faith  and  piety 
in  the  souls  of  the  laity,  Houses  of  Retreat,  established  a 
few  years  ago  by  His  Eminence,  have  opened  their  doors 
to  men  and  women  of  the  Diocese.  Here  they  may 
repair  for  a day  or  for  a week,  once  a month  or  once  a 
year,  and  far  away  from  the  carking  cares  of  every-day 
life,  commune  more  intimately  with  God ; again  set  right 
in  their  minds  the  true  spiritual  values;  drink  from  the 
great  Source  of  Grace,  the  strength,  the  health  and  vigor 
needful  for  their  perilous  journey  through  life;  or  may- 
hap, awakened  by  God’s  holy  grace,  leave  behind  them 
their  life  of  sin,  and,  now  girded  with  the  armor  of  light, 
go  forth  to  a life  of  Christian  courage  and  fidelity. 

St.  Gabriel’s,  Brighton,  now  one  of  the  most  flour- 
ishing Retreat  Houses  in  the  country,  owes  its  inception 
to  the  twofold  desire  of  His  Eminence,  first,  to  promote 
devotion  to  the  Passion  of  Our  Lord,  and  second,  to  af- 
ford a suitable  place  for  retreats  for  men;  and  so  one 
of  his  first  acts  on  taking  possession  of  this  historic  See 
in  1907  was  to  send  word  to  the  Passionists  to  come  and 
begin  their  work  in  Boston. 

At  his  suggestion  the  Nevins  Estate  was  purchased, 
a level  plateau  on  a noble  hill  in  Brighton,  containing 
fifteen  acres,  making  a place  wonderfully  convenient  and 
at  the  same  time  retired  and  altogether  suitable  for 
retreats.  The  first  abiding  place  of  the  Fathers  was  the 
old  house  on  the  hill,  the  first  chapel  was  a stable,  but 
by  ingenious  and  loving  care  transformed  into  a place 
of  beauty.  Less  than  four  years  later,  on  Sunday,  May 

[ 185] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


14,  1911,  the  Cardinal  Archbishop  with  great  joy  blessed 
and  dedicated  the  present  building. 

One  can  visualize  the  growth  of  this  great  spiritual 
influence  when  it  is  stated  that,  while  the  first  retreat 
was  preached  in  St.  Gabriel’s  on  December  8,  1911,  with 
an  attendance  of  eleven  men,  in  1922  three  public  re- 
treats took  place  each  month,  with  an  attendance  of 
1007  men,  1906  making  private  retreats  during  the  same 
period  of  time.  Within  the  last  dozen  years,  embracing 
the  days  of  its  work  in  this  Diocese,  26,000  men  from 
every  class,  condition  and  walk  in  life  have  entered  its 
sacred  portals  to  renew  their  Catholic  spirit  by  prayer 
and  meditation  during  the  days  of  retreat. 

The  growth  of  St.  Gabriel’s  has  been  natural,  in  no 
way  forced,  but,  under  the  inspiration  of  His  Eminence 
and  the  direction  of  the  zealous  priests  in  charge,  the 
Holy  Spirit  has  spread  over  it,  and  God  has  indeed 
blessed  the  work.  The  present  building  has  long  since 
grown  inadequate  for  the  numbers  who  present  them- 
selves, and  accordingly  plans  are  in  the  making  for  a 
larger  and  more  commodious  building  to  answer  the 
needs  of  the  multitudes  who  are  seeking  the  spiritual 
influence  of  the  retreats. 

The  chief  Retreat  House  for  women,  now  popularly 
known  as  The  Cenacle,  was  established  in  Brighton  by 
His  Eminence,  the  Cardinal,  on  October  10,  1910.  Its 
purpose  found  its  expression  on  that  day  in  the  memor- 
able words  of  his  address : “There  are  in  the  world  many 
Catholics  of  action  but  few  souls  of  prayer;  therefore, 
a place  of  silence  and  recollection,  where  the  faithful 
can  find  near  Our  Lord  strength,  light  and  peace  is 

[ 186] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


an  imperative  need.  And  all  this  will  be  found  in  the 
Cenacle.” 

At  once  the  little  community  of  five  religious  began 
its  work,  and  the  early  part  of  1911  saw  the  organization 
of  three  Guilds,  St.  Ann’s  Association  for  married  wo- 
men, the  Association  of  The  Cenacle  for  business  women, 
and  the  Association  of  St.  Regis  for  teachers. 

Through  these  Guilds  various  groups  of  women  and 
girls  were  brought  to  the  Convent  every  month  to  spend 
a day  in  prayer  and  recollection,  to  assist  at  a Confer- 
ence given  by  one  of  the  clergy,  and  in  this  way  to  be 
prepared  to  fulfill  the  chief  regulation  of  the  Guilds, 
namely,  the  making  of  an  Annual  Retreat. 

How  interesting  to  follow  the  work  of  the  Cenacle  in 
the  years  that  follow!  Its  reaching  unto  all  classes  of 
women,  bringing  them  group  by  group  more  intimately 
about  Our  Lord,  and  enabling  them  to  receive  into 
their  souls  the  Divine  seed  blossoming  later  into  the 
beautiful  flowers  of  the  virtues. 

A glance  at  the  records  shows  that,  besides  the  or- 
ganizations mentioned  above,  in  1912  were  established 
the  Guild  of  St.  Genesius  for  stenographers,  and  the 
Guild  of  St.  Zita  for  persons  engaged  in  domestic  work : 
in  1914  the  Guild  of  St.  Agnes  for  High  school  girls;  in 
1919  the  Guild  of  St.  Imelda  for  factory  girls  and  the 
Guild  of  the  Presentation  of  the  Virgin  Mary  for  tele- 
phone operators. 

In  spite  of  the  limited  accommodations  of  those  early 
days,  the  main  purpose  of  the  Cenacle,  the  making  of 
the  retreats,  was  not  forgotten,  and  so  in  1911  fifty-five 
retreatants  made  a three  days’  retreat,  and  1309  attended 

[187] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


the  monthly  day  of  recollection.  It  is  easy  to  understand 
how  the  rapid  increase  of  retreatants  made  the  need  of 
a larger  building  imperative.  In  May  1912,  in  presence 
of  His  Eminence,  the  Cardinal,  and  under  his  inspiration 
and  encouragement,  the  new  building  was  opened  to  the 
public.  Before  the  end  of  the  year,  eight  retreats  of 
three  days’  duration  were  preached,  with  more  than  200 
women  attending,  while  1315  others,  not  fortunate 
enough  to  be  free  to  leave  their  duties  for  three  days, 
came  to  spend  one  day  in  recollection  and  prayer. 

One  can  appreciate  how  a long-felt  spiritual  want  has 
been  well  filled,  from  the  following  table  showing  the 
growth  year  by  year  of  the  number  of  retreatants  at  the 
Cenacle : 

Day  of  Private 


Retreats 

Retreatants 

Recollection 

Retreats 

1912 

8 

200 

1315 

1913 

13 

389 

2089 

1914 

12 

452 

3119 

49 

1915 

15 

517 

4414 

69 

1916 

16 

778 

5894 

80 

1917 

16 

760 

5348 

90 

1918 

16 

757 

6059 

96 

1919 

20 

965 

7057 

98 

1920 

20 

1167 

6129 

119 

1921 

22 

1038 

11798 

123 

1922 

20 

1030 

11543 

125 

While  we  have  spoken  of  the  Cenacle  at  some  length 
as  the  place  professedly  for  the  making  of  Retreats,  we 
must  not  overlook  the  splendid  work  in  this  regard  of 

[ 188] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


the  Notre  Dame  Convents  at  Fenway  and  Roxbury  and 
the  Academy  of  the  Assumption  at  Wellesley  Hills.  Their 
doors  have  been  for  years  opened  wide  to  the  Catholic 
women  of  the  Diocese  for  the  spiritual  refreshment  com- 
ing from  the  Annual  Retreat  or  the  Monthly  Day  of 
Recollection. 

In  looking  through  the  records  of  the  Cenacle  and 
these  other  splendid  retreat  institutions  and  totalling  the 
number  of  retreatants  since  the  opening  to  the  present 
day,  the  Diocese  must  thank  God  for  the  wonderful 
spiritual  foresight  of  the  Chief  Shepherd  of  the  flock 
who  has  made  possible  these  havens  of  spiritual  rest. 
During  the  years  of  this  work  in  the  Diocese  14,848  wo- 
men have  made  the  Annual  Retreats  of  three  days,  and 
74,914  have  attended  the  Monthly  Day  of  Recollection. 

Converts 

Ever  mindful  that  the  mission  of  the  Church  is  co- 
extensive with  the  wide  world,  that  it  is  to  reach  out 
unto  all  nations  till  there  be  but  one  fold  and  one 
Shepherd,  that  the  Divine  promise  has  been  made  that 
she  is  to  inherit  the  Gentiles  and  inhabit  the  desolate 
cities.  His  Eminence,  the  Cardinal,  has  cherished  warm- 
ly the  desire  to  carry  the  truth  to  the  multitudes  that 
sit  sadly  in  the  darkness. 

To  this  end  he  has  established  the  Mission  for  non- 
Catholics  which,  with  the  Cathedral  church  as  a leader, 
finds  the  measure  of  its  success  in  the  sublime  scene 
enacted  there  each  Springtime,  when  hundreds  of  men 
and  women  from  all  parts  of  the  Diocese,  lately  cleaned 
by  the  laver  of  water  in  the  word  of  life— converts  to 

[189] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


the  Catholic  faith— are  signed  with  the  Sign  of  the 
Cross  at  the  hands  of  the  Cardinal  Archbishop  of  this 
See,  who  bestows  upon  them,  through  the  Sacrament 
of  Confirmation,  the  grace  and  strength  of  the  Christian 
soldiery. 

What  greater  reward  for  the  spiritual  guidance  and 
tender  solicitude  of  the  Chief  Shepherd  of  this  Diocese, 
for  the  zeal  and  patience  of  an  enlightened  clergy,  and 
for  the  example  growing  out  of  the  piety  and  devotion  of 
a Catholic  people  than  the  growth  of  the  converts  of 
the  Diocese,  indicated  year  by  year  in  the  following 
table : 


1907 

1908 

1909 

1910 

1911 

1912 

1913 

1914 

1915 

1916 

1917 

1918 

1919 

1920 

1921 

1922 


601 

706 

636 

827 

881 

938 

1048 

952 

956 

1006 

1042 

1015 

1152 

1302 

1132 

1079 


[ 190  J 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


Cardinal’s  Pronouncements 

In  a notice  setting  forth  the  influences  making  for  the 
increase  of  the  Catholic  spirit  in  the  people  of  this  Dio- 
cese for  spreading  abroad  the  truth  of  God  and  helping 
to  dissipate  error,  a prominent  place  must  always  be  given 
to  the  public  utterances  of  the  Cardinal  Archbishop. 

With  a cultivated  mind,  ever  holding  fast  to  Catholic 
tradition,  rich  in  human  experiences,  with  a deep  and 
discerning  sympathy  for  human  ills,  and  with  a widened 
horizon,  allowing  for  the  full  and  true  perspective  of 
the  problems  of  the  day,  his  spoken  and  written  words 
are  always  eagerly  looked  for. 

His  utterances,  ever  timely  and  offering  a sane  solu- 
tion for  the  varying  problems  agitating  the  public  mind, 
are  given  a leading  place  in  the  journals  of  the  day,  his 
audience  thereby  multiplied  into  the  ten  thousands.  Now 
it  is  a pertinent  word  on  some  problem  of  public  mo- 
ment in  its  political,  social  or  educational  bearing.  Again, 
and  more  often  so,  it  is  an  exposition  of  Catholic  prin- 
ciples, put  forth  to  strengthen  the  faith  in  the  Catholic 
body,  or  gently  smooth  away  the  inherited  prejudices  of 
the  many  outside  the  pale  of  Christ’s  Church. 

Along  this  same  line  we  may  very  properly  mention 
here  the  splendid  results  accruing  to  the  general  body  of 
the  clergy  from  the  spoken  discourses  of  His  Eminence 
at  the  semi-annual  Conferences  held  each  year  at  the 
Cathedral.  These  in  turn  show  a positive  intellectual 
reaction  on  the  part  of  the  priests,  as  evidenced  from  the 
scholarly  papers  read  there  on  topics  of  live  interest  to 
the  Church  of  the  Diocese  and  the  Church  at  large. 

[191] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


Catholic  Truth  Guild  and  Common  Cause  Forum 

Among  the  Diocesan  agencies  working  in  the  interest 
of  Holy  Mother  Church  is  the  Catholic  Truth  Guild, 
inaugurated  in  Boston  in  1907  by  the  Cardinal  Arch- 
bishop, and,  we  may  say  in  passing,  affording  a model 
for  the  Catholic  Evidence  Guild  of  England,  organized 
one  year  later.  The  Catholic  Truth  Giuld  is  a laymen’s 
movement  in  the  interest  of  the  Catholic  Cause.  In 
blessing  the  first  auto-van  built  for  street  campaigning. 
His  Eminence  outlined  its  work,  when  he  bade  the  pro- 
moters “Go  as  far  as  you  have  power  to  go  in  making 
the  Catholic  Church  better  known  and  better  loved.” 

Success  attended  the  efforts  of  the  Catholic  Truth 
Guild  from  the  time  of  its  first  meeting  on  historic  Bos- 
ton Common  on  July  4,  1917  with  an  attendance  of  5000. 
In  ninety  days,  eighty  open  air  meetings  were  addressed 
and  some  of  them  were  held  in  rather  hostile  commun- 
ities. 

Success  at  home  prompted  the  extension  of  the  work 
to  nation-wide  proportions.  With  the  God-speed  of 
Cardinal  O’Connell,  and  the  approbation  of  27  Arch- 
bishops and  Bishops  of  the  country,  the  auto-van  was 
shipped  to  San  Francisco.  There,  with  thousands  sur- 
rounding the  rostrum,  an  ocean-to-ocean  tour  was  begun 
in  the  interest  of  Catholic  truth.  The  journey  through 
California,  Arizona,  New  Mexico,  Colorado,  Kansas, 
Nebraska,  Iowa,  Missouri,  Illinois,  Indiana,  Ohio,  Penn- 
sylvania, New  York,  and  into  Massachusetts,  covered 
13,000  miles. 


[192] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


Meetings  were  held  in  city  after  city  all  along  the 
line,  and  it  is  gratifying  to  say  that,  from  the  beginning 
of  the  trip  in  San  Francisco  until  Cardinal  O’Connell 
welcomed  the  van  back  to  the  Hub  before  the  thousands 
assembled  on  Boston  Common,  not  one  untoward  inci- 
dent occurred  to  make  priests  or  laymen  feel  that  open 
air  campaigning  was  inopportune.  On  the  contrary,  the 
wonderful  foresight  of  the  Cardinal  Archbishop  of  Bos- 
ton in  instituting  and  blessing  this  open  air  work  for 
Holy  Mother  the  Church  has  not  only  met  with  en- 
comiums from  the  clergy  and  laity  of  the  land,  but  has 
been  amply  rewarded  by  the  splendid  spiritual  results 
arising. 

It  is  of  interest  here  to  state  that  during  its  seven 
years  of  activity  about  one  hundred  meetings  have  been 
held  annually,  and  on  the  average  10,000  cloth  bound 
Catholic  books,  and  a total  of  50,000  pamphlets  have 
been  sold  each  year.  Thirteen  hundred  subscriptions 
for  Catholic  weeklies  have  been  gathered  and  13,000 
Catholic  papers  given  away. 

Another  lay  activity  of  Boston,  under  the  patronage 
of  His  Eminence,  with  the  purpose  in  view  of  helping  to 
make  better  known  the  truths  of  the  Church,  is  the  Com- 
mon Cause  Forum.  Organized  at  the  wish  of  His  Emi- 
nence, the  Cardinal,  it  is  now  entering  on  its  eleventh 
year  of  splendid  work  and  telling  results.  The  Common 
Cause  Society  opens  its  doors  freely  to  all  comers,  and 
it  is  the  only  large  Forum  in  Boston  where  free  discussion 
is  permitted. 

The  meetings,  presided  over  by  a chaplain  representing 
His  Eminence,  are  held  in  a public  hall,  the  Franklin 

[ 193] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


Union  Hall,  in  Boston,  which  has  a seating  capacity  of 
about  1200.  A Catholic  lecturer  takes  about  one  hour 
for  his  address,  after  which  free  discussion  takes  up  the 
rest  of  the  time.  Anyone  in  the  audience  who  differs 
with  the  speaker,  or  wishes  to  support  the  arguments 
that  are  set  forth,  is  permitted  to  take  the  platform  for 
ten  minutes.  The  lecturer  closes  the  discussions. 

As  a test  of  the  popularity  of  the  Forum,  it  suffices  to 
say  that  capacity  audiences  are  the  rule,  and  it  is  gratify- 
ing to  add  that  the  striking  result  of  the  work  of  the 
organization  is  that  the  Catholic  laity  have  become  better 
equipped  in  the  defence  of  the  Faith  against  the  plausible 
arguments  of  the  radicals  of  our  time,  prejudices  have 
been  dissipated,  and  the  saving  principles  of  Holy  Mother 
the  Church  brought  home  to  hungering  minds. 

Vocations 

In  an  age  when  success  is  measured  by  the  abundance 
of  wealth,  of  honor  and  material  pleasures,  when  purely  . 
natural  agencies  alone  are  accounted  of  worth  in  com- 
passing man’s  well-being  here,  how  comforting  to  find 
that  under  the  spiritual  guidance  of  His  Eminence  there 
has  been  kept  alive  and  made  deep  set  in  the  souls  of 
the  Catholics  of  this  Diocese  the  true  supernatural  sense 
and  outlook,  as  evidenced  by  their  willingness  to  give 
and  to  give  in  plenty  their  sons  and  daughters  to  serve 
God  at  the  altar  and  in  the  cloister. 

In  the  last  fifteen  years  5,000  young  men  and  young 
women  of  this  Diocese  have  given  themselves  generously, 
not  only  to  make  the  Church  of  Boston  one  of  the  great 
outstanding  dioceses  of  the  world,  but  wherever  the 

[194] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


Church  of  God  has  lifted  up  the  Cross  of  Salvation,  north, 
south,  east  and  west  of  this  glorious  country,  or  in  the 
foreign  mission  fields  of  the  world,  under  its  shadow  in 
toil  and  sacrifice  are  joyfully  found  priests  and  brothers 
and  sisters  who  are  Boston  born  and  Boston  bred. 

Under  the  caption  of  the  Seminary  is  indicated  in  de- 
tail the  growth  of  vocations  to  the  priesthood  from  1907 
to  1923,  as  compared  with  preceding  years.  Here  it  is 
proper  to  remark,  however,  that  during  this  period  the 
number  of  young  men  and  young  women  of  the  Diocese 
who  have  joined  the  brotherhoods  and  sisterhoods  labor- 
ing here  or  elsewhere  amounts  to  the  gratifying  total 
of  3,500. 

St.  John^s  Seminary 

St.  John’s  Seminary  at  Brighton  was  opened  in  Septem- 
ber, 1884,  to  students  for  the  Holy  Priesthood  from  the 
Dioceses  of  New  England. 

It  was  conducted  in  its  spiritual,  intellectual  and  ad- 
ministrative departments  by  the  Society  of  St.  Sulpice. 
The  buildings,  however,  were  owned  and  maintained  by 
the  Archdiocese  of  Boston.  The  annual  deficit,  or  differ- 
ence between  the  ever-inadequate  revenues  and  the  run- 
ning expenses  of  the  Seminary,  was  always  borne  by  the 
Archdiocese. 

Although  the  Fathers  of  St.  Sulpice  were  in  charge  of 
the  Seminary,  there  was  always,  even  from  the  begin- 
ning, a number  of  secular  Priests  associated  with  them 
in  their  work.  Some  of  these  were  from  the  Archdiocese 
of  Boston,  although  almost  as  many  were  taken  from 

[19S] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


outside  Dioceses.  The  number  of  secular  Priests 
averaged  from  one-quarter  to  one-half  of  the  Faculty. 

In  June,  1911,  His  Eminence,  the  Cardinal,  having  by 
mutual  agreement  with  the  Superior-General  of  St. 
Sulpice  terminated  the  arrangement  under  which  the 
Sulpicians  had  served  the  Seminary  and  Diocese,  took 
over  the  entire  administration  of  the  Seminary,  and  ap- 
pointed to  the  places  thus  vacated  ten  Priests  of  his  own 
Diocese.  Three  of  these  had  already  been  professors  in 
the  Seminary  for  some  years;  and  six  others  with  Uni- 
versity degrees  were  immediately  available  for  the  exact- 
ing duties  of  the  Seminary.  Six  of  this  newly-recruited 
Faculty  still  remain,  two  having  been  removed  by  death 
and  two  by  transfer  to  pastorates. 

In  thus  taking  complete  charge  of  his  own  Seminary, 
Archbishop  O’Connell  was  but  following  a precedent 
already  well  established  in  this  country.  In  its  pioneer 
days,  the  struggling  American  Church  needed  Seminaries 
very  badly;  but  because  of  the  extreme  scarcity  of 
priests,  particularly  of  those  equipped  to  teach,  it  was  in 
many  cases  necessary  to  depend  upon  Religious  Orders 
or  Societies  for  the  recruiting  of  complete  and  competent 
Faculties. 

Presently,  however,  with  the  growth  of  the  Church, 
Bishops  began  to  establish  their  own  Seminaries  under 
direct  episcopal  control,  and  this  came  in  time  to  be 
rather  the  rule  than  the  exception.  Seminaries,  hitherto 
in  Religious  hands,  passed  into  secular  control,  e.g.,  Mt. 
St.  Mary’s  at  Emmitsburg,  and  even  into  the  hands  of  the 
Diocesan  Clergy  as  was  the  case  with  St.  Charles’,  Over- 
brook, in  1904,  and  St.  Joseph’s,  Dunwoodie,  in  1906. 

[ 196] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


Boston  simply  joined  the  majority  in  1911,  in  following 
the  example  of  New  York,  Philadelphia,  Milwaukee, 
Cincinnati,  St.  Paul,  Rochester,  Newark  and  Cleveland, 
whose  Seminaries,  like  the  old  Provincial  Seminary  at 
Troy,  were  successfully  conducted  by  purely  secular 
priests.  It  fell  into  line,  too,  with  the  practice  in  Ireland 
and  England,  where  every  seminary,  except  All  Hallows, 
is  conducted  by  seculars;  save  that  at  Maynooth,  since 
1888,  two  Lazarists  act  as  Spiritual  Directors. 

But  besides  precedent  there  was  principle.  Boston  was 
now  large  and  strong  enough  to  stand  alone.  It  was 
ready  to  give  proof  of  real  vitality,  the  ability  to  grow 
from  within.  There  were  in  the  Diocese  priests  with 
universit}^  training  and  degrees,  exemplary  and  able. 
These,  rather  than  outsiders,  deserved  encouragement 
and  honor.  If  for  years,  four,  five  or  six  secular  priests 
were  deemed  worthy  to  be  teachers,  guides  and  exemplars 
of  the  rising  generation  of  clergy,  there  was  no  valid 
reason  why  eight,  ten  or  twelve  should  not  be  equally 
fitted  for  the  work.  Then,  too,  since  the  Bishop  of  a 
Diocese  is  alone  responsible  for  the  conduct  of  his  Sem- 
inary, he  should  be,  if  at  all  possible,  in  direct  and  im- 
mediate authority  over  every  individual  in  the  Seminary, 
and  the  master  of  every  detail  of  seminary  administra- 
tion and  control.  Indeed,  the  Church’s  law  contemplates 
precisely  such  immediate  responsibility;  and  though  the 
sharing  of  it  with  aliens  is  not  forbidden,  such  is  rather 
an  exception  to  the  Church’s  legislation  and  tradition 
than  the  rule. 

The  change  being  made,  the  Seminary  entered  upon  a 
new  period  of  substantial  and  conspicuous  growth  and 

[197] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


development,  in  the  material,  intellectual  and  spiritual 
order. 

Though  of  least  importance,  the  material  increment  is 
not  to  be  overlooked ; for  it  is  but  a reflection  of  the 
spiritual  condition  of  the  Diocese.  Vocations  increased 
out  of  proportion  to  the  growth  of  the  Diocese.  Despite 
exacting  entrance  tests  and  unsparing  standards  for 
elimination,  the  seminary  counts  over  twice  as  many 
diocesan  students  as  in  1911.  One  hundred  and  sixty 
students  are  now  enrolled,  all  for  Boston  save  one,  a 
Porto  Rican,  to  whose  Bishop  His  Eminence,  the  Card- 
inal, has  charitably  given  a free  scholarship.  Since  1912, 
two  hundred  and  thirty-one  priests  were  ordained  at 
Brighton  Seminary  for  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston.  From 
1884  to  1911,  three  hundred  and  eight  were  ordained  at 
Brighton  for  the  Archdiocese.  The  progress  by  decades 


was : 

1884  to  1893 79 

1894  to  1903 146 

1904  to  1913 104 

1914  to  1923 210 


In  this  connection  it  is  worthy  of  note  that,  while 
vocations  to  the  secular  priesthood  were  multiplying  in 
the  Diocese,  the  Religious  Orders  and  Congregations 
were  also  recruiting  at  Boston  an  increasing  number  of 
candidates  for  the  priesthood.  Thus  in  Religious  Novi- 
tiates, particularly  of  the  Augustinians,  Jesuits,  Oblates, 
Passionists,  Redemptorists  and  Vincentians,  Boston 
young  men  are  conspicuous  in  numbers  and  for  qualities 
that  make  of  them  most  desirable  subjects.  If  the  roster 

[ 198] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


of  Boston  subjects  annually  ordained  to  the  priesthood  in 
Europe  and  America  were  compiled,  it  would  be  found 
to  count  each  year  712 — over  twice  as  many  as  are  or- 
dained for  the  service  of  the  Diocese,  and  would  compare 
most  creditably  with  that  of  any  Diocese  in  the  country. 
No  better  evidence  of  spiritual  life  could  be  found.  Vo- 
cations to  the  priesthood  proclaim  the  spiritual  vitality 
that  finds  its  highest  expression  in  increase  and  multi- 
plication. 

To  meet  the  growth  at  Brighton,  and  to  prepare  for 
further  development,  two  tracts  of  land  were  purchased, 
almost  doubling  the  previous  acreage.  The  Seminary 
buildings  were  extended,  and  additional  provision  made 
for  thirty  students,  two  large  classrooms,  and  a more 
spacious  library  and  refectory.  Even  this  is  inadequate, 
and  plans  are  now  being  matured  to  provide  for  a larger 
dining-hall  and  a convent  for  Sisters,  who  will  take 
charge  of  the  domestic  department  of  the  Seminary. 

The  interest  taken  by  the  priests  of  the  Diocese  in  the 
material  equipment  of  the  institution  is  evidenced  by  the 
increasing  donations  of  books  for  the  library,  and  of  ap- 
propriate works  of  art  to  embellish  the  Seminary  walls 
and  contribute  to  the  growth  of  priestly  culture. 

In  the  intellectual  order  even  more  important  changes 
were  made.  The  class  periods  were  increased  from  three 
to  four  a day,  and  the  horarium  was  so  rearranged  as  to 
conduce  to  greatest  profit  from  the  study  periods.  The 
curriculum  was  given  a balance,  corresponding  to  the 
changing  importance  of  the  different  branches.  Canon 
Law  was  given  its  due  place  in  the  group  with  Dogmatic 
and  Moral  Theology.  More  emphasis  was  laid  upon  the 

[199] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


practical  application  of  principles  in  multiplied  classes  of 
Homiletics,  Catechetics  and  Pastoral  Theology.  A course 
in  Education  and  School  Management,  conducted  by  the 
Diocesan  School  Superintendent,  fits  the  young  men  for 
an  intelligent  and  prudent  participation  in  the  conduct 
of  the  Parish  School. 

The  Faculty  was  increased  to  twelve  members.  This 
made  possible  the  division  of  the  larger  cycle  courses 
into  smaller  classes,  with  the  consequent  increase  in  op- 
portunity for  personal  contact  with  the  students  and  the 
more  natural  progress  in  the  development  of  each  branch 
of  science.  Thus  there  are  three  progressive  courses  in 
Dogma  and  in  Moral ; so  that  in  these  important  sciences 
every  student  may  begin  at  the  beginning  and  advance 
logically  to  the  end. 

In  the  composition  of  the  Faculty  the  Seminary  stands 
out  conspicuously  for  a quite  unusual  record  of  stability, 
and  all  that  it  implies  of  experience  and  competency. 
During  the  twelve  years  of  Diocesan  control,  eighteen 
priests  have  been  members  of  the  Faculty.  Of  these, 
three  most  promising  young  professors  were  early  taken 
by  death,  but  only  three,  during  that  time,  left  the  Sem- 
inary for  parochial  work.  Of  the  twelve  priests  now 
comprising  the  Faculty,  one  is  in  his  twenty-fifth  year 
of  continual  service  in  the  Brighton  Seminary,  another 
is  in  his  twenty-third  year,  four  in  their  thirteenth  year, 
and  two  in  their  eleventh  year.  This  long  continued 
service  is  an  evidence  of  the  unity  of  spirit  and  purpose 
among  the  members  of  the  Faculty  which  could  not  be 
surpassed,  even  if  equalled,  in  a religious  community. 
This  fraternal  unity  has  been  a source  of  untold  strength 

[ 200  ] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


to  the  individual  professors  and  of  edification  to  the 
students.  This  stability,  furthermore,  ensures  a more 
consistent  teaching  and  a uniformly  better  discipline.  It 
connotes,  too,  a richer  pedagogical  experience  for  each 
professor,  who  thus  deals  with  successive  generations  of 
students,  in  the  same  unvarying  environment. 

Very  few  seminaries  can  point  to  the  success  in  this 
respect  which  has  been  enjoyed  at  Brighton.  Indeed,  its 
own  record  of  so  few  Faculty  changes  in  the  past  twelve 
years  compares  favorably  with  the  previous  twenty-seven 
years,  during  which  twenty-six  transfers  are  recorded, 
not  including  deaths  and  removals  incidental  to  the 
change  of  regime.  During  the  earlier  period,  when  the 
Faculty  counted  from  seven  to  eleven  members,  thirty- 
eight  professors  came  and  went  at  varying  intervals,  of 
whom  twenty-two  were  Sulpicians,  nine  Diocesan  priests 
of  Boston,  and  seven  priests  of  other  Dioceses. 

In  spiritual  training  the  Seminary  maintains  the  best 
traditions  of  the  Church.  The  solemn  services  of  the 
sanctuary  are  carried  out  with  punctilious  regard  for  the 
Roman  ceremonial  law  and  in  the  spirit  of  purest  devo- 
tion. The  same  spirit  and  care  are  brought  to  the  simpler 
ceremonies  and  devotions,  public  and  private.  The  doc- 
trine of  genuine,  manly  piety,  with  an  eye  single  to  God’s 
service,  is  sedulously  inculcated.  Devotion  to  the  Most 
Holy  Sacrament  is  particularly  emphasized.  The  Holy 
Hour  on  First  Fridays  has  been  introduced  among  the 
Seminary’s  solemn  devotions ; and,  conducted  successive- 
ly by  the  several  professors,  it  not  only  serves  its  primary 
religious  purpose,  but  is  as  well  an  object  lesson  in  mak- 
ing this  service  attractive  to  the  faithful.  The  devotions 

[201] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


peculiar  to  the  Priests’  Eucharistic  League  are  practiced 
by  its  members,  and  it  is  largely  due  to  Seminary  in- 
fluence that  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston  stands  so  high  in 
enrollment  of  Priest  Adorers.  It  now  counts  four  hun- 
dred and  thirty-four  members. 

Not  the  least  among  the  spiritual  influences  now  ef- 
fective in  the  Seminary  is  that  which  radiates  from  the 
Academia  of  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith.  Long  estab- 
lished in  the  Seminary,  it  has  been  given  most  generous 
encouragement  during  the  past  twelve  years.  It  offers 
practically  a course  in  Missionary  Science,  such  as  was 
recently  recommended  by  the  Holy  See,  and  so  gives 
every  student  an  intelligent  grasp  of  missionary  prob- 
lems and  of  our  possible  contribution  to  their  solution. 
Better  still,  it  is  a source  of  zeal  and  devotion  of  the 
right  kind.  It  is,  after  daily  Mass  and  Communion,  one 
of  the  Seminarian’s  richest  sources  of  manly  and  priestly 
piety.  It  is  productive  of  untold  spiritual  good.  It  en- 
genders the  true  missionary  spirit.  This  has  been  so 
well  recognized  that  our  Brighton  Seminary  is  looked  to 
throughout  the  country  as  a model  of  intelligent  and 
practical  interest  in  missionary  endeavor.  No  seminary 
has  had  a greater  share  in  guiding  the  internal  develop- 
ment of  the  Student’s  Missionary  Crusade.  Its  name  and 
works  are  known  and  gratefully  remembered  in  remote 
missionary  outposts.  The  generous  contributions  of  the 
clergy  and  people  of  Boston  to  the  foreign  missions  reflect 
in  a measure  that  cannot  be  over-estimated  the  indirect 
but  potent  influence  of  the  Seminary  and  its  Academia. 

Not  only  is  every  profitable  spiritual  practice  given 
due  encouragement  and  exemplification  at  the  Seminary, 

[ 202  ] 


A SPIRITUAL  SURVEY 


but  the  principles  of  the  spiritual  life  are  now  completely 
and  systematically  taught.  A progressive  four  years’ 
course  in  Ascetic  Theology  was  introduced  in  which,  at 
daily  spiritual  Conferences,  the  sources  and  conclusions 
of  this  branch  of  Theology  are  unfolded  to  the  semi- 
narians for  their  own  guidance  in  spiritual  progress,  and 
for  the  intelligent  guidance  of  the  souls  to  be  committed 
later  to  their  care.  Year  by  year  in  orderly  and  method- 
ical progress,  there  are  treated  first  the  fundamental 
natural  virtues  and  the  moral  virtues  that  govern  man’s 
dealings  with  his  fellows,  and  fashion  and  evidence  the 
manly  priest ; then  the  illuminating  and  sobering  treatises 
on  self-knowledge  and  self-deceit,  with  their  practical 
corollaries  on  self-discipline,  which  make  the  self-con- 
trolled and  self-sacrificing  priest;  then  the  peculiarly 
Christian  virtues  which  make  the  saintly  priest;  and 
finally  the  Christ-life  itself,  summing  up  and  exemplifying 
the  teachings  of  the  three  previous  years,  and  leading  to 
the  lofty  concept  of  the  priest  as  “another  Christ.” 

The  Seminary  of  Boston  is  thus  what  it  should  be, 
the  heart  of  the  Diocese,  from  which  courses  the  rich, 
warm  current  of  manly,  priestly  and  Christ-like  spirit- 
uality. Wherever  this  influence  is  suffered  to  exert  itself, 
there  will  be  found  spiritual  life,  growth  and  fruitful- 
ness. There,  too,  will  be  found  fullfilment  of  the  desire 
of  our  Blessed  Lord,  “that  they  may  have  life  and  have 
it  more  abundantly.” 


[ 203  ] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


A Survey  of  the  Progress  of  Mission  Aid  in 
the  Archdiocese  of  Boston 
1908-1923 

BY  Rt.  Rev.  J.  F.  McGlinchey,  D.  D. 

Diocesan  Director  of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation 

of  the  Faith 

“No  one  who  has  received  the  true  Faith  of  Christ  can 
rest  inactive  in  the  mere  possession  of  it,  for  true  Faith 
is  always  accompanied  by  ardent  charity,  and  charity, 
by  its  very  nature,  seeks  to  extend  itself  ...  he 
who  is  indifferent  to  the  propagation  of  the  Faith  in 
reality  has  lost  it  or  never  really  had  it,  at  least  as  a 
living  possession.” 

ili  if.  -Jf.  -Jf.  -if. 

The  above  quotation  is  taken  from  an  article  entitled 
“Captains  of  the  Soul,”  written  by  His  Eminence  Card- 
inal O’Connell,  Archbishop  of  Boston,  for  the  “All  Mis- 
sion Number”  of  the  Catholic  Church  Extension  Maga- 
zine. It  is  a vigorous,  convincing  appeal  and  has  been 
reprinted  or  quoted  in  hundreds  of  magazines  and  papers 
all  over  the  world.  Coming  from  the  pen  of  a Prince  of 
the  Church,  it  would  naturally  attract  attention  and  be 
widely  read.  When,  in  addition,  the  writer  has  given 
unmistakable  proof  that  his  words  are  sincere  and  that 
they  come  from  a heart  in  sympathy  with  the  labors  of 
our  Modern  Apostles,  such  a pronouncement  is  more 
convincing  and  more  valuable  to  the  Sacred  Cause  it  aims 
to  promote.  [ 207  ] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


The  interest  of  His  Eminence  in  missions  and,  through 
his  leadership,  of  the  priests.  Brothers,  Sisters  and  laity 
of  the  Boston  Diocese,  is  recognized  not  only  throughout 
the  United  States  and  in  Europe,  whence  most  of  the 
foreign  missionaries  come,  but  in  the  mission  fields  them- 
selves. Because  of  her  generosity  to  the  missions  in  the 
form  of  prayers,  vocations,  and  financial  aid,  Boston  is 
not  unknown  in  the  remotest  parts  of  Asia,  Africa  and 
Oceania. 

When  His  Eminence  became  Archbishop  of  Boston, 
one  of  the  first  activities  that  claimed  his  attention  was 
the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith.  The  mis- 
sions made  a strong  appeal  to  him.  The  importance  of 
the  cause  and  not  the  persons  who  promote  it  impressed 
him.  In  directing  the  policy  and  conduct  of  the  Diocesan 
Office  he  often  emphasized  this.  “It  is  the  work  and  that 
only  which  counts.  Think  only  of  the  missions  and  their 
needs,  make  your  Officce  impersonal  and  our  efforts  will 
be  blessed  with  results.”  This  instruction  has  been  in- 
sisted upon  and  repeated  frequently  to  those  in  charge 
of  the  Mission  Bureau. 

It  has  moreover  been  our  aim  to  work  in  union  with 
His  Eminence,  Cardinal  Van  Rossum,  Prefect  of  the 
Sacred  Congregation  of  Propaganda,  who  is  at  the  head 
of  all  mission  activities  throughout  the  world.  Cardinal 
Van  Rossum  has  more  than  once  expressed  his  apprecia- 
tion of  these  cordial  relations  and  has  pointed  to  Boston 
as  a model  diocese  in  the  field  of  Mission  Aid. 

The  foundation  of  our  help  to  the  missions  is  the  or- 
ganization of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Faith.  His  Eminence  asks  the  priests  to  establish 

[ 208  1 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


branches  in  their  parishes.  The  priests  in  turn  appeal 
to  the  faithful.  The  results  may  be  estimated  from  a 
glance  at  the  Banner  Branches  recorded  in  the  1922 
Report.  It  is  to  the  priests  and  their  people  that  the 
credit  is  due  for  Boston’s  generous  help  to  the  missions. 

Number  of 


Amount  Branches 

$12,000  and  over 1 

9.000  “ “ 2 

7.000  “ “ 1 

6.000  “ “ 1 

5.000  “ “ 6 

4.000  “ “ 6 

3.000  “ “ 11 

2.000  “ “ 25 

1,500  “ “ 19 

1.000  “ “ 28 

800  “ “ 21 

500  ‘‘  “ 23 


Banner  Branches 

The  total  receipts  from  these  144  branches  were  $104,- 
777.21— an  average  of  over  $700  from  each.  Among  the 
remaining  70  branches  there  are  several  closely  ap- 
proaching the  $500  class,  and  others  (with  less  to  their 
credit)  that  are  contributing  generously  in  proportion  to 
their  size.  According  to  the  1923  Report  now  being  pre- 
pared, most  of  the  Banner  Branches  show  such  a marked 
increase  in  their  remittances  that  they  will  go  ahead  into 
higher  classes.  This  is  the  story  each  year. 

[ 209  ] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


Not  less  interesting  is  a glance  at  the  returns  from 
the  parishes  that  have  led  each  year  since  the  establish- 
ment of  the  Society  in  the  Diocese. 

Year  Parish 

1898 —  Sacred  Heart,  East  Cambridge $698.80 

1899 —  Sacred  Heart,  East  Cambridge 1,039.25 

1900 —  Sacred  Heart,  East  Cambridge 1,061.10 

1901 —  Notre  Dame  des  Victoires,  Boston 1,072.00 

1902 —  Notre  Dame  des  Victoires,  Boston 1,245.25 

1903 —  Notre  Dame  des  Victoires,  Boston 1,285.00 

1904 —  Notre  Dame  des  Victoires,  Boston 1,639.00 

1905 —  Notre  Dame  des  Victoires,  Boston 1,679.00 

1906 —  Sacred  Heart,  East  Cambridge 1,190.00 

1907 —  St.  Joseph’s,  Lowell 1,526.14 

1908 —  St.  Joseph's,  Lowell 2,046.61 

1909 —  St.  Joseph’s,  Lowell 1,940.00 

1910 —  St.  Joseph’s,  Lowell 1,912.44 

1911 —  St.  Joseph’s,  Lowell 1,957.21 

1912 —  Our  Lady  of  Perpetual  Help,  Roxbury 2,410.74 

1913 —  St.  Augustine’s,  South  Boston 3,931.50 

1914 —  Our  Lady  of  Perpetual  Help,  Roxbury 2,951.20 

1915 —  St.  Mary’s,  Lawrence 2,980.97 

1916 —  Notre  Dame  des  Victoires,  Boston 3,416.55 

1917 —  Gate  of  Heaven,  South  Boston 6,626.89 

1918 —  Gate  of  Heaven,  South  Boston 6,094.86 

1919 —  St.  Mary’s,  Lawrence 7,733.69 

1920 —  St.  Mary’s,  Lawrence 10,226.02 

1921 —  St.  Eulalia’s,  South  Boston 9,842.76 

1922 —  St.  Eulalia’s,  South  Boston 12,657.27 

1923 —  St.  Cecilia’s,  Boston 18,478.00 

From  this  schedule  it  will  be  observed  that  during  the 
early  years  but  three  parishes  stood  out  prominently. 

Only  once  in  the  first  fourteen  years  did  the  contribu- 

tions from  the  leading  branch  exceed  $2,000.  During 
the  succeeding  years  the  honors  were  better  distributed 
and  the  amounts  required  to  stand  first  on  the  list  in- 
creased substantially.  But  these  are  only  passing  obser- 
vations. 

[210] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


The  important  conclusion  is  that  mission  work  has 
a place  in  the  spiritual  life  of  this  Diocese;  that  there 
are  priests,  Sisters  and  lay  persons  among  us  who,  not 
content  with  the  mere  possession  of  the  Faith,  are  labor- 
ing, praying,  giving  their  time,  energy  and  money,  yes, 
often  until  it  hurts,  to  share  the  Faith  with  the  be- 
nighted heathen  and  with  those  in  our  own  country  who 
do  not  yet  possess  it. 

This  generous  spirit,  this  willingness  to  make  a sacri- 
fice in  order  to  bring  the  happiness  we  enjoy  into  the  lives 
of  those  who  do  not  know  what  it  means,  has  strength- 
ened our  souls  and  made  us  appreciate  more  keenly  the 
one  thing  that  counts— our  Faith. 

The  clergy  are  the  natural  leaders  in  the  mission 
movement.  If  they  are  well  versed  in  the  science  of 
missions,  if  their  hearts  beat  in  sympathy  with  the  plans 
and  aspirations  of  the  poor  missionaries,  if  they  breathe 
the  mission  spirit,  the  faithful  will  follow  with  their 
prayers  and  alms. 


The  Academia 

For  this  reason,  the  study  of  missions  has  been  intro- 
duced into  the  Diocesan  Seminary.  Our  Seminarians 
are  trained  in  a knowledge  of  this  important  work  of 
the  Church.  The  benefit  of  this  training  is  reflected  in 
the  grasp  that  our  Catholics  have  of  the  mission  question 
and  the  consequent  strong  support  that  they  give  so 
generously  and  so  intelligently. 

In  the  Diocesan  Seminary  there  is  a flourishing  branch 
of  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith.  Its  purpose  is  not 
merely  to  enroll  the  students  in  the  Society,  but  to  study 

[211] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


the  mission  problem  and  thus  prepare  the  future  priests 
of  the  Diocese  for  the  duty  of  imparting  to  the  faithful 
a knowledge  of  the  Church's  missions. 

Because  of  its  literary  character  this  branch  of  the 
Society  is  called  the  ‘Academia.”  It  meets  once  a month. 
A systematic  survey  of  the  missions  of  the  entire  world 
is  presented  to  the  Seminarists.  Each  year’s  course  is 
so  planned  that,  at  the  end  of  his  studies,  every  student 
has  gone  over  the  great  white  harvest  field  and  is  inti- 
mately acquainted  with  the  methods,  needs  and  progress 
of  the  apostolate  at  home  and  abroad. 

The  results  of  the  work  done  in  the  Academia  are  far- 
reaching.  They  are  shown  in  the  prayers  and  offerings 
of  the  Seminarists,  they  are  evident  in  the  spirit  and  the 
discipline  of  the  institution,  but  the  fulfillment  of  its 
ultimate  purpose  comes  only  after  the  students  are  or- 
dained. 

We  have  already  noted  how  our  priests  help  the  mis- 
sions through  branches  of  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith. 
There  is  another  equally  practical  way  of  contributing  to 
the  apostolate— that  of  supplying  missionaries,  for  this 
is  the  saddest  need  in  the  great  white  harvest  field.  Many 
priests  who  have  learned  to  know  and  love  the  work  of 
the  missions  in  the  Seminary  have  done  much  towards 
supplying  this  need  by  fostering  vocations  to  the  missions. 

Vocations 

The  flourishing  Catholic  centres  here  in  the  East  have 
for  years  been  a recruiting  ground  of  priests  and  Sisters 
for  work  among  the  whites  of  the  West.  Boston  has 
given  her  share.  But  it  was  not  until  recently  that  the 

[212] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


Negro  and  Indian  Missions  claimed  our  attention.  With 
the  growth  of  interest,  however,  and  the  encouragement 
given,  vocations  have  been  developed  for  these  special 
fields. 

Our  most  noteworthy  contribution  has  been  to  the 
Colored  Missions.  In  a letter  from  the  Superior  of  the 
Josephites,  the  Very  Rev.  Louis  Pastorelli,  who  was  Bos- 
ton’s first  member  of  the  Society,  he  states  that  the  Bos- 
ton subjects  number  7 priests,  9 seminarians  and  45 
collegians  for  this  glorious  and  truly  apostolic  work. 

The  Society  has  in  all  31  seminarists  and  103  col- 
legians. This  means  that  Boston  has  supplied  almost 
one-third  of  the  former  and  nearly  half  of  the  latter. 
This  contribution  of  personnel  for  the  Colored  Missions 
in  the  South  has  been  made  since  1907. 

Among  the  Sisterhoods  devoted  to  the  Indians  and 
Negroes  Boston  is  well  represented.  The  Sisters  of  the 
Blessed  Sacrament,  the  Franciscan  Sisters  in  the  South, 
the  Ursulines  on  the  Indian  Reservations  and  in  Alaska, 
the  Sisters  of  Mercy  and  the  Franciscans  in  Jamaica- 
all  have  subjects  from  Boston,  most  of  whom  have  joined 
these  Sisterhoods  during  the  past  fifteen  years. 

But  it  is  in  the  foreign  fields  that  we  are  best  repre- 
sented. Previous  to  the  regime  of  His  Eminence,  the 
Diocese  had  but  one  foreign  missionary.  He  was  in 
India.  We  can  now  claim  representatives  in  China. 
India,  Indo-China,  Africa,  Oceania,  and  the  Philippines. 
They  are  Jesuits,  Franciscans,  Passionists,  Vincentians, 
Marists  and  Maryknollers. 

In  a very  few  years,  our  quota  will  be  still  more  re- 
markable. The  Very  Rev.  James  A.  Walsh,  Founder 

[213] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


and  Superior  of  the  Catholic  Foreign  Mission  Society 
of  America  and  of  the  Missionary  Sisters  of  St.  Dominic, 
wrote  recently  to  the  Diocesan  Mission  Bureau  that 
12.87  per  cent  of  the  students  in  his  Seminary,  14  per 
cent  of  the  boys  in  his  Preparatory  School,  and  35  per 
cent  of  his  Sisters  are  from  the  Diocese  of  Boston. 
Father  Walsh  himself  is  a Bostonian,  and  says  that  he 
got  the  mission  spirit  in  our  Diocesan  Seminary.  He 
was  the  Boston  Diocesan  Director  of  the  Society  for  the 
Propagation  of  the  Faith  (1903-1911)  when  he  conceived 
the  splendid  idea  of  founding  Maryknoll. 

Last  year  St.  Francis  Xavier  Mission  House  was 
opened  by  the  Society  of  the  Divine  Word  under  the 
patronage  of  His  Eminence,  the  Cardinal,  at  Island 
Creek,  Mass.  This  is  a Preparatory  School  for  the  Sem- 
inary of  the  Society  at  Techny,  Illinois. 

Native  Priests  and  Sisters 
The  supply  of  foreign  missionaries  has  never  been  ade- 
quate, nor  is  there  any  hope  that  it  ever  will  be.  There 
are  priests  whose  duty  it  is  to  care  for  districts  as  large 
as  two  or  three  dioceses  in  our  own  country  and  many 
times  as  populous.  The  only  solution  of  this  difficulty 
is  a native  clergy  and  native  Sisters. 

After  a careful  study  of  this  problem,  in  1914  a cam- 
paign was  started  to  enable  a young  native  to  prepare  for 
the  priesthood  in  the  missions  for  every  student  in  our 
own  Seminary  at  Brighton.  The  clergy  and  laity  of  the 
Diocese  showed  such  an  interest  in  this  splendid  plan 
that  there  are  now  two  hundred  and  thirteen  promising 
Seminarians  in  pagan  countries  who  are  proteges  of  gen- 

[214] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


erous  benefactors  in  the  Boston  Diocese.  This  is  almost 
twice  the  number  hoped  for  when  the  enterprise  was 
launched.  Besides  these  students,  there  are  one  hundred 
and  three  native  priests  in  Asia,  Africa,  and  Oceania, 
whose  education  has  been  paid  for  by  Bostonians. 

The  schedule  that  follows  will  show  how  our  proteges 
are  distributed  throughout  the  great  white  harvest  field. 

Native  Priests  Educated  by  Boston 
Benefactors 


Japan  2 

Corea  8 

China  40 

Indo-China 33 

India  8 

Africa  8 

Oceania 4 


Total 


103 


Native  Seminarists  Being  Educated  by 
Boston  Benefactors 


Japan  4 

Corea  11 

China  47 

Indo-China 81 

India  22 

Africa  44 

Oceania 4 


Total 


[215] 


213 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


Just  as  the  native  priests  must  assist  and  prepare  to 
succeed  the  foreign  missionaries,  so  there  must  be  native 
Sisters.  We  have  seventy-five  postulants  and  novices  in 
native  communities  who  look  to  the  Diocesan  Mission 
Bureau  for  their  support. 

The  burden  of  support  does  not  cease  when  a mission- 
ary is  ordained.  It  is  then  that  his  real  expenses  begin. 
He  must  have  a church,  a school,  a catechumenate,  and 
in  many  cases  an  orphanage  and  a dispensary.  Add  to 
this  the  cost  of  maintaining  Sisters,  lay  teachers  and 
catechists. 


Mission  Chapels 

Two  hundred  and  twenty  chapels,  a number  of  schools, 
orphanages,  and  leper  asylums  would  not  exist  today, 
others  would  have  been  obliged  to  close  their  doors  dur- 
ing the  war,  were  it  not  for  the  consistent  help  sent  to 
them  each  month  from  the  generous,  faithful  Catholics 
of  the  Diocese. 

Although  we  have  few  wealthy  Catholics  in  the  Diocese, 
it  is  rich  in  the  Faith  of  the  good  people.  The  priest 
and  the  Church  at  home,  the  missionary  and  his  humble 
chapel  abroad,  appeal  to  them  strongly. 

The  location  of  native  priests  and  Sisters  now  spend- 
ing themselves  in  God’s  service  in  distant  pagan  lands  or 
preparing  to  do  so,  through  the  kindness  of  Boston  bene- 
factors, has  been  noted.  Even  more  widely  distributed 
are  the  mission  chapels  built  by  the  sacrifices  of  fervent, 
generous  souls  in  our  midst.  Most  of  them  have  been 
contributed  in  memory  of  departed  relatives. 

[216] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


Chapels  Erected 

China  28 

Indo-China 5 

India  26 

Africa  29 

Oceania 13 

Philippines 18 

Old  Providence  Island  1 

Jamaica  1 

Virgin  Islands  2 

Porto  Rico 1 

Guadaloupe  1 

Dutch  E.  Indies  1 

126 

U.  S.  A.  through  Extension  Society  . 22 

Total 148 

Chapels  Under  Construction 

China  20 

Indo-China  4 

India  19 

Japan  1 

Formosa  1 

Africa  19 

Oceania 6 

Samoa 1 

Dutch  E.  Indies  2 

Philippines  5 

Porto  Rico 1 

— 79 

U.  S.  A.  through  Extension  Society  3 

Total  _ 82 

[217] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


Besides  the  above,  four  schools,  three  rectories,  two 
orphanages  and  one  leper  hospital  have  been  built  with 
contributions  received  at  the  Diocesan  Office. 

The  growth  and  development  of  this  branch  of  mission 
aid,  like  that  of  the  department  which  takes  care  of  na- 
tive Seminarists  and  Sisters,  have  taken  place  during  the 
past  fifteen  years.  Previous  to  1907,  there  is  no  record 
of  chapels  built  by  contributions  from  the  Office. 

In  order  to  make  known  these  special  needs  of  indi- 
vidual missionaries,  it  is  necessary  to  have  some  means 
of  regularly  communicating  the  mission  message  to  the 
faithful.  Sunday  visits  to  the  churches  are  the  most 
practical  means  of  organizing  the  Society  for  the  Propa- 
gation of  the  P^aith,  but  for  specific  appeals  there  is 
nothing  so  effective  as  the  Catholic  press. 

The  Pilot 

In  1908,  The  Pilot  became  the  Official  Organ  of  the 
Diocese.  The  Mission  Bureau  was  at  once  invited  to 
make  use  of  its  columns.  In  this  way  a clientele,  who 
otherwise  would  not  have  known  the  missions,  was  se- 
cured. With  the  multiplication  of  subscriptions  our 
friends  increased.  In  our  mail  and  our  visitors  to  the 
Office  we  see  the  help  that  comes  from  the  paper.  A 
conservative  estimate  of  the  worth  of  the  Diocesan  Organ 
to  our  work  is  $100,000  a year. 

The  Pilot’s  valuable  service  to  the  missions  is  uni- 
versally recognized  by  the  missionaries  in  the  Far  East 
and  Africa.  They  flood  the  Office  with  stories  of  their 
needs  to  be  printed  in  its  columns.  They  read  the  paper 
regularly.  It  furnishes  a medium  of  appeal  and  keeps 

[218] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


many  a lonely  missionary  in  touch  with  the  activities  of 
the  Church  throughout  the  world.  Not  only  does  it  bring 
Catholic  news  to  his  humble  hut,  but  it  enlightens  his 
converts  as  well;  for  countless  columns  of  this  welcome 
visitor  are  translated  into  foreign  tongues  and  reprinted 
for  circulation  among  the  natives. 

Liberal,  indeed,  is  the  allotment  of  space  in  the 
Diocesan  Organ  to  mission  news.  The  issue  current  at 
this  writing  has  devoted  eight  columns— one  full  page — 
to  the  missions.  Besides  the  matter  contributed  by  the 
Diocesan  Office  each  week,  the  paper  carries  editorials, 
accounts  of  the  needs,  conditions  and  progress  of  the 
apostolate  of  the  Church,  which,  if  collected  in  book 
form,  would  serve  as  a chronicle— a record  of  up-to-date 
mission  history. 

The  value  of  the  mission  message  which  The  Pilot 
brings  weekly  into  the  Catholic  homes  of  the  Diocese  has 
been  frequently  experienced  in  the  number  of  responses 
to  urgent  appeals.  Many  examples  might  be  cited.  We 
had  the  best  illustration  of  the  far-reaching  help  of  the 
paper  in  1912. 

During  that  year  and  the  year  previous,  many  requests 
for  sacred  vessels  were  received  at  the  Mission  Bureau. 
One  priest  needed  a chalice,  another  a ciborium,  a third 
a monstrance.  At  first,  occasional  stringless  gifts  were 
used  to  relieve  these  needs.  Soon,  however,  it  was 
thought  best  to  ask  directly  for  sacred  vessels.  The  re- 
quest was  repeated  from  time  to  time.  So  numerous 
were  the  responses  that  the  Office  was  purchasing  chalices 
and  coboria  in  large  lots  and,  of  course,  at  wholesale 
prices.  Before  interest  was  lost  in  this  special  appeal, 

[219] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


1,600  sacred  vessels,  for  the  most  part  chalices,  had  been 
sent  to  the  missions.  They  bore  the  initials  of  loved 
ones  departed,  whom  the  donors  wished  to  share  in  the 
fruits  of  the  missionaries’  Masses. 

Holy  Childhood 

In  1914,  a most  important  step  was  taken  in  the  de- 
velopment of  the  mission  spirit  by  the  establishment  of 
the  Association  of  the  Holy  Childhood.  This  worthy 
work  was  practically  unknown  in  the  Diocese.  There 
were  but  five  schools  and  two  academies  contributing. 
Over  a third  of  the  offerings— $315— came  from  one 
school.  The  1913  receipts  from  all  seven  centres 
amounted  to  only  $828.08.  This  represented  $704.96  in 
gifts  for  the  adoption  of  rescued  pagan  babies,  and 
$123.12  for  the  dues  of  1,026  children. 

An  enrollment  of  but  1,026  boys  and  girls  under  the 
banner  of  the  Christ  Child,  for  such  a commendable 
work,  seemed  small.  Reviewing  the  great  increase  of 
membership  in  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Faith  from  1907  to  1914,  and  confident  that  the  little 
folks  would  not  be  less  responsive  than  their  elders,  it 
was  planned  to  organize  the  Holy  Childhood.  A single 
appeal  to  the  parish  priests  and  the  Sisters  effected  in 
one  year’s  time  the  introduction  of  the  Association  into 
94  schools  with  an  enrollment  of  38,784  boys  and  girls. 

From  that  time  the  mission  spirit  has  grown  apace  in 
the  hearts  of  our  children.  In  three  years,  the  member- 
ship exceeded  that  of  every  diocese  in  the  country,  and 
for  the  past  seven  years  Boston  has  kept  the  first  place 
in  the  annual  report  of  the  Holy  Childhood.  In  fact, 

[ 220  ] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


at  the  present  time  our  contribution  is  much  larger  than 
that  of  any  diocese  in  the  entire  world.  We  have  an 
enrollment  of  150,000  boys  and  girls,  who  not  only  con- 
tribute their  membership  dues  but  fill  Mite  Boxes  and 
make  donations  for  the  adoption  of  about  1,000  pagan 
waifs  every  year. 

The  rapid  progress  of  this  mission  aid  organization 
has  been  most  remarkable,  as  the  following  resume  of 
our  offerings  since  its  formal  establishment  in  the 
Diocese  will  show.  It  should  be  noted  that  these 
amounts  represent  the  pennies  of  the  children. 


Year  Amount 

1914  $2,459.04 

1915  6,077.29 

1916  7,184.61 

1917  8,395.86 

1918  11,516.13 

1919  14,136.36 

1920  16,498.04 

1921  21,744.82 

1922  23,526.87 

1923  26,657.55 


Complete  Survey 

A complete  survey  of  our  progress  can  be  had  from 
the  annual  remittances  since  the  establishment  of  the 
Society  in  the  Diocese.  Ours  was  the  first  Diocese  in 
the  United  States  to  start  the  work  upon  a permanent 
basis  and  to  organize  branches  of  the  Society  in  the 
various  parishes.  The  columns  that  follow  carry  our 

[221] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


annual  net  contribution  including  memberships  in  the 
Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith  and  the  As- 
sociation of  the  Holy  Childhood  (from  1914  when  it  was 
introduced),  gifts  and  Mass  stipends. 

Year  Amount 

1898  $1,300.96 

1899  17,262.22 

1900  22,741.45 

1901  20,790.70 

1902  28,162.59 

1903  25,176.23 

1904  37,424.28 

1905  41,239.47 

1906  49,546.15 

1907  53,097.39 

1908  47,352.91 

1909  47,002.97 

1910  47,608.72 

1911  57,156.97 

1912  115,075.43 

1913  113,386.88 

1914  156,698.62 

1915  165,757.17 

1916  197,951.79 

1917  229,782.39 

1918  298,491.76 

1919  387,708.48 

1920  403,201.68 

1921  440,641.43 

1922  438,591.08 

1923  588,151.25 

[ 222  ] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


During  the  early  years,  our  contribution  in  member- 
ships to  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith 
was  much  larger  than  our  gifts  and  Masses.  Soon  after 
1908,  when  the  Pilot  was  made  the  official  organ  of  the 
Diocese,  there  was  a marked  advance  in  the  gifts  and 
Mass  stipends  received  at  the  Bureau.  This  increase 
has  been  so  great  during  recent  years  that  these  direct 
remittances  to  the  missions  have  become  almost  three 
times  as  large  as  our  contribution  to  the  General  Fund 
of  the  Society. 

As  a result  of  the  remarkable  growth  in  this  depart- 
ment of  gifts  and  Masses,  we  have  been  able  to  assist 
new  missions  and  missionaries  each  year.  In  1907,  the 
Diocesan  Office  helped  91  missionaries  in  52  Dioceses 
and  Vicariates.  We  are  now  remitting  annually  to  697 
missionaries  in  232  Dioceses  and  Vicariates.  A great 
many  of  these,  whose  needs  are  numerous  and  urgent, 
appear  monthly  on  our  remittance  sheet. 

The  total  net  offerings  to  the  missions  from  this 
Diocese,  since  the  work  was  started  twenty-five  years 
ago,  is  $4,051,300.97.  Over  92  per  cent  of  this 
amount,  $3,754,559.53,  has  been  collected  and  remitted 
since  His  Eminence  became  Archbishop  of  Boston.  It 
was  divided  as  follows;  to  the  general  fund  of  the  So- 
ciety for  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith  we  have  sent 
$1,240,350.06;  our  contribution  to  the  general  fund  of 
the  Association  of  the  Holy  Childhood  has  amounted 
to  $139,637.60;  the  balance,  $2,374,571.87  represents  our 
net  receipts  in  the  form  of  gifts  and  Mass  stipends  for- 
warded directly  each  month  from  the  Diocesan  Office 
to  the  mission  field. 


[ 223  ] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


The  net  offerings  for  1908  were  $47,352.91.  The  net 
offerings  for  1923  were  $588,151.25.  This  means  that 
the  amount  of  money  remitted  to  the  missions  from 
Boston  in  1923  was  over  eleven  hundred  per  cent  greater 
than  the  amount  remitted  in  1908. 

The  above  totals  may  surprise,  yes,  even  startle  the 
average  reader.  They  may  seem  large  coming  from  one 
Diocese  in  the  brief  space  of  fifteen  years.  They  are 
large  absolutely  and  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  our 
Diocese.  Our  1923  Report  shows  a contribution  to  mis- 
sions of  almost  sixty  cents  from  each  Catholic  (adult 
and  child)  in  the  Diocese. 

This  record  of  zeal  for  the  cause  that  is  dearest  to 
the  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus  is  unequalled  throughout  the 
Christian  world. 

Notwithstanding  the  generosity  of  our  good  people 
and  of  others  throughout  the  Christian  world,  our 
saintly,  self-sacrificing  missionaries  are  in  dire  need. 
They  are  living  and  laboring  amidst  poverty  that  is  un- 
imaginable. Their  ranks  are  decimated  by  overwork 
and  sickness  that  could  be  easily  prevented,  if  they  had 
more  means  at  their  disposal. 

We  have  met  in  the  missions  priests  and  Sisters  who 
are  housed  and  fed  with  less  care  than  many  dumb 
animals  here  in  this  land  of  abundance.  They  practise 
economies  that  are  simply  unbelievable  in  order  to  scrape 
together  the  money  required  for  the  development  of  their 
apostolic  work.  But  it  is  not  the  privations,  not  the 
lack  of  creature  comforts  that  worry  and  age  these 
brave  soldiers  of  Christ.  It  is  the  realization  that  souls 
are  lost  because  they  cannot  afford  to  build  modest 

[224] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


chapels,  schools,  orphanages  and  dispensaries,  or  to  train 
and  support  native  priests.  Sisters  and  catechists. 

Our  contribution  to  this  sublime  cause  is  not  confined 
to  men  and  means.  We  are  helping  in  a spiritual  way 
as  well.  By  the  100,000  adult  members  of  the  Propa- 
gation of  the  Faith  and  the  130,000  children  enrolled 
in  the  Holy  Childhood,  a daily  prayer  is  offered  to 
Christ,  the  First  Missionary,  in  behalf  of  His  laborers 
in  the  great  white  harvest  field.  The  missionaries  and 
their  converts  in  turn  pray  for  their  benefactors.  So 
there  is  a spiritual  chain  uniting  the  faithful  at  home 
with  their  brothers  and  sisters  in  mission  lands. 

Fortunate,  indeed,  are  we  who  have  established  such 
close  bonds  of  spiritual  relationship  with  the  mission 
world.  It  is  a great  privilege,  one  to  be  valued  most 
highly.  Yet,  never  must  we  forget  that  we  are  but  in- 
struments in  God^s  hands.  It  is  His  work.  He  could 
have  accomplished  it  without  our  assistance.  But, 
since  He  has  chosen  to  make  us  His  co-workers,  let  us 
continue  to  co-operate  with  Him,  ever  mindful  that  it 
is  He  Who  works  through  us. 

We  should  then  thank  God  for  having  made  His  Em- 
inence such  a vigorous  leader  in  this  great,  spiritual, 
world-wide  warfare  for  souls;  for  having  given  to  the 
priests  and  Sisters  of  this  Diocese  the  grace  to  labor  in 
harmony  with  his  wishes  - in  building  and  maintaining 
such  a splendid  organization;  for  having  blessed  the 
faithful  Catholics  under  their  charge  with  a willingness 
to  rally  so  generally  and  so  generously  to  their  call. 

Blessed  indeed  is  the  diocese  that  has  heeded  the 
command  of  Christ,  re-echoed  by  His  successors,  the 

[ 225  ] 


PROPAGATION  OF  THE  FAITH 


Roman  Pontiffs  and  repeated  by  Pius  XI,  our  present 
Holy  Father,  for  every  Catholic  to  share  his  Faith  with 
the  redeemed  but  unenlightened  millions  in  the  Orient. 

In  the  words  of  His  Eminence:  “Our  answer  must  be 
that  of  true  children  of  the  Faith.  We  must,  and  with 
God’s  holy  help  we  shall,  pray,  work,  and  give  freely, 
all  that  we  can,  that  our  Faith,  which  is  our  greatest 
and  richest  possession,  may  be  carried  onward  and  ever 
onward. 

“Let  us  never  forget  this,  to  keep  the  Faith  we  must 
propagate  it.” 


[ 226  ] 


THE  DIOCESAN  PRESS 


The  History  of  the  Diocesan  Press 
During  the  Years 
1908-1923 

BY  Rev.  M.  C.  Driscoll,  D.  D. 

Director  of  Diocesan  Press 

The  present  paper  will  trace  the  growth  and  develop- 
ment of  The  Pilot,  since  His  Eminence,  the  Cardinal, 
established  it  as  the  Official  Organ  of  the  Archdiocese 
of  Boston.  A word  regarding  its  origin,  however,  will 
prove  of  interest. 

The  precursor  of  The  Pilot,  The  Jesuit  or  Catholic 
Sentinel,  was  established  by  Bishop  Fenwick,  the  second 
Bishop  of  Boston.  It  made  its  appearance  as  a Cath- 
olic journal  on  September  1,  1829.  Religious  fanati- 
cism had  for  a long  time  expressed  itself  in  outbursts 
against  religion.  A Catholic  paper  was  needed  to  meet 
and  answer  the  calumnies  and  misrepresentations  that 
were  being  preached  and  printed.  This  able  Bishop, 
therefore,  measured  his  forces  and  started  The  Jesuit. 

For  five  years  the  good  Bishop  himself  wrote  histor- 
ical and  theological  articles  which  appeared  regularly. 
The  effect  was  immediately  noticeable  in  a better  ap- 
preciation of  the  Faith  and  a larger  measure  of  respect 
and  reverence  for  the  Church. 

After  1834,  the  duty  of  editing  and  contributing  was 
assigned  to  another,  for  episcopal  cares  and  responsi- 
bilities had  so  multiplied  that  the  task  of  writing  weekly 

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was  made  impossible.  The  policy  of  the  paper,  however, 
remained  the  same,  one  of  staunch  loyalty  to  the  Church 
and  fidelity  to  the  religious  interests  of  the  Catholic 
people  of  this  region. 

In  the  last  issue  of  The  Jesuit,  December  27,  1834,  it 
was  announced  that  the  name  of  the  paper  would  be 
changed  to  The  Irish  or  Catholic  Sentinel.  In  the  year 
1835,  Patrick  Donahoe  took  over  the  paper.  His  con- 
nection with  The  Pilot  lasted  until  1901.  John  Boyle 
O’Reilly,  James  Jeffrey  Roche  and  Katherine  E.  Con- 
way did  creditable  work  for  the  cause  of  the  Church 
and  for  the  advancement  of  the  Faith  in  the  later  years 
of  the  paper’s  existence. 

The  Pilot  has  come  down  to  us  a valiant  champion  of 
truth  and  a fearless  foe  of  error,  so  that  in  after  years, 
when,  in  the  Providence  of  God,  the  torch  of  faith  was 
passed  to  the  hands  of  a young,  zealous  and  apostolic 
Archbishop,  in  the  person  of  the  former  Bishop  of 
Portland,  now  the  Archbishop  of  Boston,  this  powerful 
exponent  of  the  Faith,  taking  a retrospect  of  the  past 
and  visualizing  the  future,  could  give  utterance  in  his 
Centennial  Sermon  to  these  memorable  words: 

‘‘O,  Priests  of  New  England,  seeking  no  reward  but 
God’s  blessing,  wanting  no  recompense  but  Heaven’s 
approval,  what  wonders,  unknown  but  to  God  and  you, 
your  enlightened  priestly  zeal,  your  high  and  strong 
courage,  your  true  love  of  New  England’s  peace  and 
happiness  have  accomplished.  What  lessons  of  all  that 
ennobles  life  your  lips  have  spoken!  What  deeds  of 
sweet  charity  your  hands  have  wrought!  What  mes- 
sages of  peace  your  wearied  feet  have  carried!  The 

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Matignons  and  Fittons,  tireless  in  their  zeal  and  un- 
flagging in  their  toil,  traversing  the  byways,  from  end 
to  end  of  this  great  land,  thank  God,  still  live.  The 
spirit  of  those  pioneers  of  the  faith  is  still  active  and 
fruitful.  The  material  difficulties  of  a century  ago  have 
passed,  but  new  ones,  far  more  intricate,  far  more  deli- 
cate, face  the  priesthood  of  today.” 

With  this  thought  in  mind,  the  new  Archbishop  of 
Boston  sought  to  guard  the  religious  interests  of  his 
great  flock,  and  to  protect  the  heritage  of  faith.  Every 
weapon  of  defence  and  offence  was  brought  into  action. 
The  pulpit  was  reinforced  by  the  press. 

One  of  the  first  official  acts  of  His  Eminence,  the 
Cardinal,  was  to  make  The  Pilot  the  official  organ  of 
the  Archdiocese  of  Boston.  On  October  3,  1908,  there- 
fore, he  purchased  The  Pilot  for  the  Archdiocese.  From 
that  day  dates  the  Diocesan  press  of  Boston. 

In  treating  of  The  Pilot  as  the  official  organ  of  the 
Diocese,  two  questions  naturally  present  themselves: 
First,  What  is  its  objective?  Second,  How  has  it  ac- 
complished that  objective? 

The  Pilot's  Objective 

In  his  letter  to  the  Catholic  people  of  the  Archdiocese 
of  Boston,  dated  October  3,  1908,  His  Eminence  set 
forth  forcefully  and  eloquently  the  high  purposes  to 
which  The  Pilot  would  be  dedicated. 

“It  gives  me  the  greatest  satisfaction”  wrote  His  Em- 
inence “to  announce  that  the  Archdiocese  now  publishes 
and  controls  a paper  of  its  own.  The  Pilot,  successor  of 
The  Jesuit,  founded  by  Bishop  Fenwick,  is  now  the 

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official  organ  of  the  Diocese  of  Boston,  representing  its 
interests,  chronicling  its  events,  and  publishing  its  of- 
ficial acts. 

“The  need  of  such  an  organ,  reliable  in  its  official 
information,  definitely  responsible  in  its  management, 
capable  and  efficient  in  its  representation,  has  been 
keenly  felt.  No  need  to  specify  that  this  paper  will  be 
neither  infallible  nor  faultless;  but  it  will,  we  feel  as- 
sured, be  truly  and  loyally  Catholic  in  spirit  and  in  tone, 
and  truly  and  loyally  American  in  civil  allegiance,  two 
characteristics  requisite  for  a Catholic  paper,  intended 
for  those  Catholics  who  are  also  American  citizens. 

“In  its  pages  we  trust  that  every  child  of  the  Church 
will  find  edification  and  instruction,  and  that  the  gen- 
eral public  will  find  there  useful  information. 

“The  Catholic  citizen  is  found  in  every  avocation. 
The  public  official,  the  lawyer,  the  doctor,  the  merchant, 
the  laborer,  all  have  need  to  know  what  is  the  Catholic 
viewpoint  on  all  great  moral  questions,  in  the  social 
order  and  in  his  local  environment.  The  short  sermon 
on  Sunday  is  all  too  brief  to  permit  of  detailed  argu- 
ment and  lengthy  application.  Besides,  the  good  old 
custom  of  the  family  pew  at  the  High  Mass  is  unhappily 
apparently  passing. 

“Unless  we  be  willing  to  sit  by  inactive  and  indiffer- 
ent spectators,  while  the  Faith  is  threatened  with  weak- 
ness from  a thousand  influences  about  us,  we  must 
bestir  ourselves  and  do  something  more  than  praising 
the  past,  which,  however  good  and  excellent  it  was,  is 
past;  and  which,  after  all,  was  the  achievement  not  of 
ourselves,  but  of  our  fathers  and  mothers. 

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“I  appeal  to  every  head  of  a Catholic  family  in  this 
Diocese  to  see  to  it  that  The  Pilot  is  welcomed  into  his 
home,  to  be  there  a reliable  and  potent  force  in  main- 
taining the  sacred  influences  of  the  Faith.  The  Pilot 
makes  its  advent  modestly  and  without  boast.  Under 
diocesan  control,  however,  it  will  be  no  uncertain  voice, 
and  no  unsteady  force  for  Catholic  life  and  action.  The 
Pilot  hopes  by  support  and  experience  to  grow  in  use- 
fulness and  authority,  so  that  the  great  principles  of 
the  spiritual  life  of  the  Church,  and  the  foundations  of 
good  government  may  become  better  known  and  more 
strongly  safeguarded. 

“Whoever,  therefore,  in  the  smallest  way  assists  The 
Pilot  to  this  end  is  doing  a work  for  God,  for  home  and 
for  country.” 

This  exposition  of  the  holy  aims  and  high  purposes  of 
The  Pilot  is  clear,  logical  and  convincing.  It  finds  its 
strongest  confirmation  in  the  inspiring  pronouncements 
of  the  last  three  Sovereign  Pontiffs,  regarding  the  urgent 
need  of  the  Catholic  press. 

“In  vain  you  will  build  churches,  give  missions,  found 
schools,  all  your  works,  all  your  efforts  will  be  des- 
troyed, if  you  are  not  able  to  wield  the  defensive  and 
offensive  weapon  of  a loyal  and  sincere  Catholic  press.” 
(Pope  Pius  X). 

“It  seems  to  Us  that  nothing  is  more  desirable  than 
that  the  number  of  those  who  can  use  their  pen  in  a 
way  rich  in  blessings  should  increase,  and  that  good 
papers  should  have  a large  circulation,  so  that  everyone 
may  have  every  day  good  reading,  which  instructs  and 

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warns,  and  strengthens  and  promotes  the  Christian 
virutes.”  (Pope  Benedict  XV). 

“The  power  and  influence  of  the  Catholic  Press  are  so 
great  that  even  the  seemingly  most  insignificant  activ- 
ity in  favor  of  the  good  Press  is  always  of  great  impor- 
tance, because  great  results  may  come  therefrom.  Any- 
thing that  you  will  do  for  the  good  Press,  I will  con- 
sider as  having  been  done  for  me  personally.  The  Cath- 
olic Press  is  very  close  to  my  heart,  and  I expect  much, 
very  much,  from  it.”  (Pope  Pius  XI). 

A comprehensive  answer  to  the  second  question  would 
touch  upon  the  subjects  already  treated  in  the  preced- 
ing papers.  For  our  purpose,  therefore,  it  will  be  suf- 
ficient to  note  some  of  the  outstanding  activities  in 
The  Pilot’s  career  as  the  Official  Organ  of  the  Arch- 
diocese of  Boston,  in  maintaining  the  sacred  influences 
of  the  Faith,  and  in  safeguarding  national  institutions. 

The  mission  of  The  Pilot  is  religious  and  patriotic. 
This  twofold  mission  has  been  accomplished  by  The 
Pilot  (a)  internationally,  (b)  nationally  (c)  locally  as 
a diocesan  agency. 

(I)  The  Pilot  a Religious  Influence 
In  the  religious  field  internationally.  The  Pilot  has 
performed  an  important  service.  It  has  at  all  times 
during  the  past  sixteen  years  carried  to  American  Cath- 
olics and  to  the  non-Catholic  American  public  at  large 
the  Encyclical  Letters  of  the  Sovereign  Pontiffs.  The 
Pilot  has  translated  these  Pontifical  Letters  both  from 
the  Italian  and  the  Latin,  and  has  published  the  first 
English  version  of  them  in  this  country. 

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Without  such  a reliable  agency  to  translate  the  lum- 
inous expressions  of  the  great  Pontiffs,  and  to  carry 
such  messages  into  tens  of  thousands  of  homes,  the  great 
American  public  would  have  been  deprived  of  the  en- 
couragement, enlightenment  and  inspiration  contained 
in  these  noble  documents. 

In  placing  The  Pilot  in  every  Catholic  home.  His  Em- 
inence has  thereby  opened  up  to  Catholics  an  avenue  of 
light,  hope  and  encouragement. 

The  Pilot  has  efficiently  accomplished  this  service. 
It  has  also  translated  and  published  every  address  and 
allocution  of  the  Holy  Father.  Through  news  articles 
and  editorial  comment  it  has  brought  to  the  Catholics 
of  this  Diocese  and  country  a better  understanding  and 
a finer  appreciation  of  the  paternal  benevolence  and 
solicitude  of  the  Great  White  Shepherd  of  Christendom. 

If  The  Pilot  served  no  further  purpose  than  to  place 
the  Encyclical  Letters,  Addresses  and  Allocutions  of  the 
Sovereign  Pontiffs  in  English  dress  in  Catholic  homes, 
its  existence  would  be  a thousand  times  justified.  This, 
however,  is  but  part  of  the  mission  entrusted  to  it. 

Great  events  are  constantly  taking  place  in  Catholic 
countries.  International  and  national  Eucharistic  Con- 
gresses in  the  world’s  great  Catholic  centres,  beatifica- 
tions and  canonizations  in  Rome,  as  well  as  other  solemn 
ecclesiastical  functions  of  world-wide  Catholic  interest 
are  duly  chronicled  from  week  to  week.  Readers  of 
The  Pilot  are  thereby  made  familiar  with  the  activities 
of  the  Church  Universal.  Thus  they  are  imbued  with 
the  true  Catholic  spirit. 


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In  an  international  religious  way,  The  Pilot  consti- 
tutes what  might  be  termed  one  connecting  link  between 
the  Archiepiscopal  See  of  Boston,  its  Cardinal  Arch- 
bishop, priests  and  people,  and  the  great  font  of  Cathol- 
icism, the  Rome  of  the  Popes,  and  the  Sovereign  Pon- 
tiffs themselves.  It  brings  the  inspiring  messages  of  the 
Common  Father  to  his  spiritual  children,  and  returns 
concrete  expressions  of  loyalty  and  love  from  the  spirit- 
ual children  to  Christ’s  Vicar  on  earth. 

May  it  not  have  been  this  very  bond  of  affection  and 
loyalty  that  the  saintly  Pius  X noted,  when  he  ad- 
dressed His  Eminence  in  November  1908? 

“Happily  the  Commemoration  of  Our  Jubilee  and  the 
centennial  of  your  diocese  of  Boston  happen  at  the  same 
time”  Pope  Pius  X wrote,  “so  that  we  rejoice  together 
in  the  happiness  of  each  other,  bound,  as  I know  you  to 
be,  by  a special  love,  to  the  Apostolic  See  and  to  Our 
Person. 

“To  Us,  surrounded  as  We  are  by  cares  and  difficul- 
ties, the  thought  of  your  attachment  is  a source  of  con- 
solation and  hope.  You  have  Our  gratitude  for  your 
affection.  But  We  desire  not  only  to  thank  you  but 
to  praise  you  as  well.  We  know  how  worthily  you  gov- 
ern and  protect  your  spiritual  charge,  you  whom  We 
have  given  as  a gift  to  the  See  of  Boston,  justly  proud 
of  her  great  Bishops  Therefore,  with  good 

reason  We  offer  you  and  your  devoted  priests  and  your 
pious  people  Our  heartiest  congratulations.  Again  We 
see  promise  in  you  of  new  and  great  hope  of  still  greater 
success  and  prosperous  achievement.  That  God  may 
every  day  give  you  greater  health  and  guidance  is  Our 
daily  prayer  . . .’’r,,^! 


THE  DIOCESAN  PRESS 


The  Pilot  A National  Religious  Influence 
The  Pilot  has  been  a strong  influence  nationally 
in  moulding  the  public  conscience  of  this  country.  It 
is  the  official  organ  of  the  Cardinal  Archbishop  and 
functions  under  his  direction.  Through  The  Pilot  he 
gives  official  public  expression  to  the  saving  principles 
of  religion  and  morality  which  strengthen  the  Faith  of 
the  people  and  promote  the  ends  of  just  government. 
As  a fearless  champion  of  justice  and  right  and  a vig- 
orous exponent  of  religious  truth,  he  has  become  a 
world  figure.  This  consideration  has  naturally  attracted 
public  attention  to  his  official  organ.  To  its  pages  men 
turn  for  a full  and  accurate  account  of  the  official  utter- 
ances and  acts  of  the  Cardinal  Archbishop  of  Boston. 
There  they  find  pastorals,  sermons,  and  addresses  on 
timely  and  pertinent  subjects  concerning  Church  and 
State,  copious  excerpts  from  which  have  been  quoted  in 
the  public  press  throughout  this  country.  An  awak- 
ened public  conscience  has  turned  to  His  Eminence  for 
strengthening  direction.  As  Church  Progress,  a jour- 
nal published  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  stated  in  an  article 
dated  January  1913 ; 

“Cardinal  O’Connell  has  again  in  clear  terms  marked 
out  the  line  of  Catholic  action  in  this  country.  His 
talk  to  the  Diocesan  Union  is  being  read  by  all  Boston, 
and  non-Catholics  find  it  typical  of  the  man  they  have 
learned  to  respect  and  admire.”  This  stirring  address 
was  carried  by  The  Pilot  under  date  of  November  23, 
1912. 


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In  the  issue  of  January  4,  The  Pilot  published  an  article 
regarding  the  formation  of  a league  to  protect  delinquent 
Catholic  youth.  Branches  were  established  in  every  parish 
in  the  Boston,  Fall  River  and  Springfield  Dioceses.  The 
work  was  blessed  and  encouraged  by  the  Cardinal  Arch- 
bishop. The  results  have  proved  the  necessity  of  such  a 
movement  and  the  saving  influence  of  the  League.  From 
time  to  time,  by  episcopal  direction,  the  Pilot  dwelt 
upon  this  salutary  matter,  and  was  to  a degree  in- 
strumental in  bringing  the  movement  to  a happy 
fruition  throughout  the  State. 

Through  the  columns  of  The  Pilot  the  Cardinal  Arch- 
bishop’s words  on  Federation  reached  all  parts  of  the 
nation.  He  personally  addressed  hundreds  of  meetings. 
He  aroused  an  enthusiasm,  deep  and  sustained.  Soon, 
the  Boston  plan  of  organization  was  spreading  over 
this  country.  In  1915,  the  Boston  Plan  was  so  widely 
known  and  universally  admired  that  Anthony  Matre, 
general  Secretary  of  the  American  Federation  of  Cath- 
olic Societies,  made  the  following  statement  before  the 
delegates  assembled  at  Toledo,  Ohio,  for  the  Four- 
teenth Annual  Convention  of  the  American  Federation 
of  Catholic  Societies: 

“The  Federation  of  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston  is  now, 
no  doubt,  the  strongest  branch  of  the  American  Federa- 
tion of  Catholic  Societies.  Five  counties,  comprising 
the  Archdiocese,  are  now  solidly  federated,  and  over 
each  there  presides  a chaplain,  appointed  by  His  Emin- 
ence, the  Cardinal.  The  representatives  that  are  pres- 
ent at  this  Convention  represent  1,000,000  Catholics. 
It  is  not  for  me  to  report  the  great  work  done  by  this 

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Federation.  More  eloquent  lips  than  mine  are  here  to 
tell  you  what  the  Militant  Sons  of  IMassachusetts  have 
done  for  the  Catholic  Apostolate. 

“I  only  wish  to  say  that  it  was  an  inspiration  to  every 
member  of  the  Federation  in  the  United  States— yes,  I 
may  say  an  inspiration  to  the  Catholic  world— when 
thousands  of  men  of  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston  con- 
gregated at  the  Massachusetts  State  House  recently  to 
assail  in  the  open  the  false  and  uncalled-for  attacks 
made  on  them.  ...  The  great  leaders  who  have  led  the 
fight  for  justice  at  the  State  House  are  with  us  today, 
and  will  be  ready  to  tell  us  of  their  great  work,  and 
of  their  magnificent  organization  of  which  Cardinal 
O’Connell  was  the  ‘Pillar  and  the  Life.’  It  was  an  inspir- 
ation to  me  to  read  the  message  which  Cardinal  O’Connell 
gave  to  the  delegates  assembled  here  with  us  today. 

“Would  that  the  Federation  had  more  Cardinal 
O’Connells.  His  cheering  messages  and  wise  counsel, 
sent  to  the  Federation  as  Bishop  of  Portland,  as  Arch- 
bishop of  Boston,  and  now  as  Cardinal,  have  always 
been  of  extreme  encouragement  to  the  Officers  of  the 
Federation,  especially  to  the  national  secretary,  and  I 
have  no  hesitancy  in  stating  that  Cardinal  O’Connell 
is  the  greatest  Federation  Cardinal  in  the  world  today.” 

The  Pilot  a Diocesan  Religious  Influence 
The  Pilot  has  likewise  fulfilled  its  mission  in  the 
religious  field  as  a diocesan  agency.  The  Official 
Organ  has  been  utilized  by  the  Society  for  the  Propaga- 
tion of  the  Faith  in  Boston  as  a medium  for  the  full 
and  free  expression  of  Mission  news.  Appeals  for  needy 

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missions  are  a regular  feature.  Stories  of  the  sacrifices 
and  hardships  willingly  undergone  by  the  missionaries 
have  thrilled  the  great  Catholic  flock  of  the  Arch- 
diocese. The  faithful  have  responded  with  a generosity 
that  has  put  the  Boston  Diocesan  Office  in  the  very 
fore  of  the  Propagation  Agencies  of  the  world. 

What  The  Pilot  has  meant  to  the  local  branch  of 
the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith  will  be 
better  appreciated  from  the  words  of  the  Director  of 
the  local  branch  who  states  that  in  1911  the  total  Dio- 
cesan contributions  were  $47,000.  A few  years  later,  or 
in  1914,  the  Director  traced  contributions  of  over 
$40,000  to  Pilot  appeals  alone.  In  his  article  on  the 
Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith  in  Boston, 
1908-1923,  the  Director  states  that  over  $100,000,  or 
20%  of  the  annual  total  contributed  by  the  Archdiocese 
for  1923,  was  directly  traceable  to  the  Pilot  and  its 
work  for  the  Missions.  Therefore,  The  Pilot  in  1923 
was  responsible  for  contributions  to  the  missionary  cause 
of  an  amount  150%  in  excess  of  that  contributed  in  1914. 

The  Pilot  has  in  news  articles  brought  to  the  people 
of  the  Archdiocese  the  messages  of  the  missionaries’  dire 
needs,  thus  being  instrumental  in  placing  in  their  hands 
funds  which  have  enabled  them  to  bring  the  light  of 
the  Gospel  into  regions  overrun  with  paganism  and  in- 
fidelity. Editorially  it  has  consistently  espoused  the 
Missionary  Cause,  so  dear  to  the  heart  of  His  Eminence. 

To  further  promote  the  Missionary  Cause,  His  Emin- 
ence, in  response  to  the  Appeal  of  the  Holy  Father,  in- 
augurated a local  branch  of  the  Association  of  the  Holy 

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Childhood,  which  assists  missionaries  in  saving  little 
pagan  children.  This  branch  was  placed  under  the  super- 
vision of  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Faith 
of  Boston.  For  three  years,  the  Diocesan  Supervisor  of 
Schools,  by  the  Cardinal  Archbishop’s  instructions,  in- 
terested the  Sisters  and  the  children  of  the  diocese  in 
the  work.  A plan  was  adopted  which  was  put  into 
operation  in  the  Fall  of  1914. 

It  is  useful  to  note  in  this  connection  the  commenda- 
tion of  the  Holy  Father,  who,  through  his  illustrious 
Cardinal  Secretary  of  State,  wrote  as  follows: 

Secretariate  of  State 
To  His  Holiness 

To  His  Eminence 

William  Cardinal  O’Connell 

Most  Eminent  and  Most  Reverend  Lord  Cardinal:— 
Monsignor  de  Tiel,  the  Director  General  of  the  As- 
sociation of  the  Holy  Childhood,  and  Monsignor  Tiber- 
ghien,  upon  their  return  from  the  United  States  and 
Canada,  told  the  Holy  Father  that  Your  Eminence  and 
many  American  Bishops  whom  they  visited  during  their 
recent  journey  have  expressed  themselves  as  most  wil- 
ling to  give  their  active  encouragement  to  the  above 
named  Society,  which  is  so  helpful  to  the  children  and 
the  youth,  now  enshrouded  in  the  darkness  of  paganism. 

This  was  most  comforting  news  to  His  Holiness,  who. 
while  continuing  to  show  toward  this  most  pious  work 
the  paternal  benevolence,  so  generously  bestowed  upon 
it  by  his  immediate  predecessor  of  holy  memory,  has 

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not  failed  to  manifest  his  own  lively  and  strong  desire 
that  the  Association  of  the  Holy  Childhood  be  estab- 
lished in  every  school  and  college  of  the  United  States 
and  Canada. 

His  Holiness,  moreover,  calls  attention  to  the  fact 
that  this  Society  is  not  only  helpful  to  the  missionaries 
in  making  our  dear  Lord  known  to  millions  of  pagan 
children,  but  also  most  useful  in  the  sound,  moral  educa- 
tion of  the  Catholic  youth.  A work  of  this  nature,  how- 
ever, cannot  make  its  salutary  influence  felt  without 
the  assistance  of  good  souls,  and,  since  the  present 
critical  situation  in  Europe  has  dried  up  the  fountains 
of  support  that  formerly  flowed  from  the  charity  of 
Catholic  Europeans,  the  Association  of  the  Holy  Child- 
hood, now  more  than  ever,  realizes  how  necessary  it  is 
that  America  continue  to  show,  as  in  the  past,  its  lib- 
erality and  charity,  and  that  it  may  be  pleased  to  sup- 
ply in  some  measure  the  loss  of  the  customary  revenue 
from  Europe. 

The  August  Pontiff  is  confident  that  the  sturdy  and 
valued  support  of  Your  Eminence  and  of  the  Bishops 
will  be  seconded  not  only  by  the  clergy  and  by  Catholics 
in  general,  but  above  all  by  the  teachers,  in  whose  zeal 
and  true  Christian  charity  he  places  great  hopes.  And 
in  order  that  his  desire  may  be  crowned  with  happy 
and  consoling  success,  the  August  Pontiff  invokes  upon 
all  an  abundance  of  assistance  from  on  high,  imparting 
to  Your  Eminence,  to  the  Bishops,  priests  and  faithful 
of  the  respective  dioceses,  especially  to  the  teachers 
and  to  all  those  who  cooperate  with  them  in  aiding  the 
Association  of  the  Holy  Childhood,  a Special  Apostolic 
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I am  very  happy  to  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity 
to  express  my  profound  homage. 

Your  Eminence’s  Most  Humble  and  Devoted  Servant, 

P.  Cardinal  Gasparri, 
Secretary. 

The  work  was  forthwith  taken  in  hand  vigorously. 
The  columns  of  The  Pilot  were  given  over  liberally  by 
Episcopal  direction  to  strengthen  the  work.  For  the 
past  seven  years,  according  to  reports  from  the  national 
office  of  the  Association  of  the  Holy  Childhood,  this 
Archdiocese  has  led  in  the  amounts  contributed.  This 
is  a matter  in  which  the  Cardinal  Archbishop,  under 
whose  direction  and  encouragement  the  work  was  ac- 
complished, priests  and  people  may  be  pardoned  for 
taking  pride.  Even  now,  new  records  are  in  the  mak- 
ing, distinguishing  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston  for  its 
missionary  zeal. 

With  the  Apostolic  fervor  and  unsurpassed  generosity 
of  Cardinal,  priests  and  people  of  Boston  toward  the 
missions  in  mind.  His  Eminence,  Cardinal  Van  Rossum 
paid  this  Archdiocese  a tribute  of  recognition,  love  and 
affection  which  was  given  prominence  in  a news  and  edi- 
torial way  in  The  Pilot  issue  of  May  7,  1921.  Following 
is  the  letter  of  the  Cardinal  Prefect : 


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Sacred  Congregation  of  the  Propaganda 
Rome,  March  15,  1921. 

His  Eminence, 

William  Cardinal  O’  Connell, 

Archbishop  of  Boston. 

Your  Eminence: 

I hasten  to  acknowledge  receipt  of  Your  Eminence’s 
very  welcome  letter  of  February  21.  It  gives  me  great 
pleasure  to  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity  to  express 
to  Your  Eminence  the  hearty  congratulations  of  the 
Sacred  Congregation  of  the  Propaganda  upon  the  splen- 
did success  of  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston  in  its  organiza- 
tion of  the  Societies  in  favor  of  the  Foreign  Missions. 

The  generous  people  of  the  noble  American  nation  are 
already  showing  evidence  of  the  new  and  vigorous  im- 
pulse that  they  purpose  to  give  to  the  work  of  the  Propa- 
gation of  the  Faith  in  which  they  hold  the  first  place  as 
far  as  contributions  are  concerned. 

I am  especially  pleased  to  express  to  the  Diocese  of 
Boston,  which  is  in  the  vanguard  of  this  noble  enter- 
prise to  further  the  interest  of  the  missions,  the  profound 
gratitude  and  genuine  satisfaction  of  the  Holy  See,  be- 
cause of  this  proof  of  generous  participation  in  the  Mis- 
sionary Apostolate. 

To  Your  Eminence,  therefore,  to  the  organizers  and 
directors  of  the  Societies,  and  through  them  to  the  in- 
dividual members  and  benefactors,  the  Propaganda  ex- 
tends its  sincere  gratitude,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
assures  you  all  of  a share  in  the  merits,  the  fruits  and 
the  spiritual  benefits  of  the  Societies— blessings  which, 
through  the  remunerative  goodness  of  Our  Lord,  will 

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surely  be  given  to  you  all  a hundred  fold  as  a reward  for 
the  offerings  you  have  made  to  the  Missions. 

I take  advantage  of  this  occasion  to  present  to  Your 
Eminence  my  most  profound  esteem. 

Your  Eminence’s  Most  Humble  and  Devoted  Servant, 

G.M.  Cardinal  Van  Rossum. 

As  The  Pilot  has  been  one  of  the  effective  forces 
working  for  the  extension  of  the  Missions,  so  it  has 
been  a strong  influence  in  forwarding  the  Charities  of 
the  Archdiocese.  It  has  carried  weekly  the  message  of 
the  Diocesan  Charitable  Bureau  into  thousands  of  homes. 
The  strengthening  assistance  rendered  by  the  Catholics 
of  the  Archdiocese  is  to  be  traced  to  some  degree,  there- 
fore, to  the  service  performed  by  The  Pilot  in  promoting 
that  salutary  work. 

It  was  felt  that  Catholics,  while  extremely  generous, 
should  be  brought  into  more  intimate  contact  with  the 
institutions,  reared  through  Episcopal  solicitude,  priest- 
ly zeal  and  lay  cooperation.  It  was  not  to  be  expected 
that  time  would  suffice  to  allow  every  Catholic  to  visit 
all  of  them  personally.  Hence,  His  Eminence  directed 
that  brief  sketches  of  the  institutions  of  the  Diocese, 
with  photographic  reproductions,  should  be  published 
in  his  Official  Organ. 

For  the  period  of  one  year,  The  Pilot  devoted  weekly 
one  full  page  to  such  sketches  and  pictures.  The  result 
of  such  work  is  a better  appreciation  of  the  Archdiocesan 
Institutions  and  the  Christlike  work  they  are  accomplish- 
ing quietly  and  unostentatiously. 

One  might  dwell  at  length  on  the  influence  that  pub- 
licity has  exerted  in  advancing  Charitable  endeavor.  We 

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need  cite  but  one  campaign,  in  which  the  forces  of  The 
Pilot  were  fully  utilized  to  stir  enthusiasm  in  the  Arch- 
diocese. Reference  is  made  to  the  campaign  for  the 
new  St.  Elizabeth’s  Hospital.  The  goal  set  for  this 
campaign  was  $200,000.  There  was  an  oversubscription 
of  50  per  cent. 

As  The  Pilot  has  aided  missionary  and  charitable 
endeavor,  so  it  has  given  its  columns  over  consistently  to 
the  promotion  of  the  parochial  schools.  His  Eminence 
has  caused  to  be  published  annually  in  The  Pilot  the 
report  of  the  schools  of  the  Archdiocese,  thereby  keep- 
ing his  people  in  constant  contact  with  the  progress  of 
Catholic  education,  and  arousing  deep  enthusiasm  for 
the  extension  of  the  parochial  school  system;  for  it  is 
the  accepted  rule  that  every  parish,  capable  of  doing  so, 
must  support  a parochial  school. 

In  the  recent  campaign  for  the  upbuilding  and  ex- 
tension of  the  new  Boston  College,  The  Pilot’s  pages 
were  again  utilized  to  great  advantage.  His  Eminence’s 
Pastoral  was  placed  in  the  homes  of  the  Catholic  people. 
His  example  of  generosity  was  a signal  for  a benevolent 
liberality  on  the  part  of  all.  Through  The  Pilot,  the 
Cardinal  Archbishop  exhorted  all  to  make  a New  Boston 
College  an  accomplished  fact.  So  well  did  his  flock  rise 
to  the  rallying  words  of  their  Chief  Shepherd  that  this 
great  campaign  to  amass  $2,000,000  was  oversubscribed 
by  50  per  cent,  at  a time  when  there  was  wide  unem- 
ployment, and  distress  was  felt  on  all  sides. 

Space  is  allotted  regularly  to  the  Children’s  Depart- 
ment, the  various  Catholic  Clubs,  and  fraternal  organiza- 
tionc,  such  as  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  Foresters, 
I-.^dies’  Catholic  Benevolent  Association,  Daughters  of 

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Isabella,  Catholic  Daughters,  Ancient  Order  of  Hibern- 
ians, Massachusetts  Catholic  Women’s  Guild,  and  so  on. 
Strictly  Church  organizations,  such  as  Sodalities,  Holy 
Name  Societies,  etc.,  find  a means  of  public  expression 
in  the  columns  of  The  Pilot. 

In  these  days  of  rampant  materialism,  when  the  re-  1 
ligious  ideal  is  so  widely  ignored,  when  crime  waves  are  j 
a commonplace  over  the  length  and  breadth  of  the 
nation,  and  irresponsible  agencies  are  preaching  and 
practicing  doctrines  destructive  of  morality,  subversive 
of  right  order,  and  menacing  to  the  nation’s  stability,  one  ' 
can  hardly  exaggerate  the  importance  of  Episcopal  pro- 
nouncements and  Catholic  editorial  utterance.  In  both 
departments  The  Pilot  is  performing  weekly  a most 
important  service  to  Catholics.  If  Bishops  exhort  their 
spiritual  flocks  to  read  and  ponder  over  the  pages  of  the  \ 
Catholic  journal,  it  is  because  experience  has  shown 
that  promiscuous  and  ephemeral  reading  is  dangerous 
and  that  there  is  need  of  right  direction  of  mind  and 
heart.  Powerful  as  the  pulpit  is,  it  must  be  supplemented 
today  by  the  Catholic  Press. 

The  Pilot  gives  editorially  the  true  Catholic  viewpoint 
on  matters  pertaining  to  the  Faith.  Secular  journals 
fall  into  unfortunate  errors,  because  their  writers  are 
deficient  in  Catholic  history,  law  and  doctrine.  Edi- 
torial expression  is  a mighty  moulder  of  public  opinion 
and  action.  If  wrong  standards  are  followed,  irreparable 
harm  inevitably  results.  Catholic  editorial  expression, 
because  true  and  responsible,  is  today  necessary.  The 
words  of  the  saintly  Pius  X are  pertinent  and  convinc- 
ing: “The  Pilot  has  become  an  authoritative  journal  in 
Rome  and  is  read  by  many  of  the  Cardinals.’’ 

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(II)  The  Pilot  a Patriotic  and 
Civic  Influence 

The  Pilot  has  been  considered  as  a religious  influence. 
Its  mission  was  shown  to  be  (a)  international,  (b)  na- 
tional and  (c)  local,  as  a Diocesan  agency.  It  will  now 
be  shown  that  The  Pilot  is  also  a patriotic  and  civic 
force,  that  has  exerted  its  influence  (a)  internationally, 
(b)  nationally  and  (c)  locally,  as  a Diocesan  agency. 

Every  force  that  works  for  the  civic  betterment  of 
State  and  nation  must  be  accorded  a place  among  those 
agencies  that  function  for  the  general  welfare  of  man- 
kind, because  today  the  nations  of  the  world  are  united 
so  closely  by  ties  of  religion,  industry  and  commerce, 
that  the  general  well-being  of  any  one  member  of  the 
human  family  must  reflect  itself  directly  or  indirectly 
in  the  life  and  activities  of  every  other  member. 

The  influence  of  The  Pilot  internationally  may  be 
seen  from  its  various  activities  during  the  war  period. 
During  that  troubled  time.  The  Pilot  worked  ceaselessly 
for  the  restoration  of  order  and  for  the  reestablishment  of 
an  era  of  justice  and  good  will. 

Under  date  of  July  28,  1915,  Pope  Benedict  XV,  of 
holy  memory,  addressed  a very  important  Letter  to  the 
belligerents  and  their  rulers.  The  Pilot  carried  this 
letter  in  its  issue  of  August  21,  1915.  “The  first  words, 
which  We,  as  Supreme  Pastor,  directed  to  the  nations  and 
to  their  Rulers,”  wrote  His  Holiness,  “were  words  of 
peace  and  love.  But  Our  counsel,  affectionate  and  in- 
sistent as  of  a father  and  a friend,  continues  to  be  disre- 
garded. . . . Why  not  initiate  with  eager  mind  an  ex- 
change— direct  or  indirect — of  views  with  the  aim  of 

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taking  an  account,  in  the  measure  that  is  possible,  of 
these  rights  and  aspirations,  and  thus  manage  to  put 
an  end  to  this  huge  struggle,  as  has  happened  in  other 
similar  circumstances?  Blessed  be  he  who  will  first 
raise  the  olive  branch  and  extend  the  right  hand  to  the 
enemy,  offering  reasonable  terms  of  peace!  . . . We 
invite  all,  who  throughout  the  world  are  friends  of  peace, 
to  give  us  their  aid,  so  as  to  hasten  the  termination  of 
war,  which  has,  during  the  past  year,  changed  Europe 
into  a vast  battlefield.” 

This  plea  of  the  Holy  Father  resounded  throughout 
Christendom.  While  The  Pilot  carried  the  message  into 
Catholic  homes  of  the  Archdiocese,  the  Cardinal  Arch- 
bishop on  many  occasions  was  exhorting  his  people  to 
pray  for  the  fulfilment  of  the  Holy  Father’s  fervent 
desire.  The  power  of  publicity  was  needed  then  as  never 
before.  And  The  Pilot  generously  supplied  that  need. 

Under  date  of  August  25,  1917,  The  Pilot  published 
the  Holy  Father’s  peace  proposal  to  the  belligerents  and 
their  rulers.  It  was  one  of  the  greatest  documents  that 
the  world  has  seen.  It  moved  profoundly  every  bellig- 
erent, and  contained  the  very  points  upon  which  peace 
was  ultimately  established.  Joining  its  voice  with  the 
Press  of  the  world  for  a lasting  peace.  The  Pilot  by  news 
and  editorial  expression  dwelt  continuously  on  this  his- 
toric document.  It,  therefore,  served  as  one  of  the  many 
Diocesan  agencies,  working  for  the  restoration  of  order 
and  for  peace  among  nations. 

Readers  of  The  Pilot  will  recall  the  numerous  appeals 
made  by  the  Cardinal  Archbishop  for  civil  and  religious 
liberty,  his  strong  words  upholding  the  activities  of  the 

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Holy  Father  for  proper  readjustment  of  world  conditions, 
and  the  great  petition  asking  that  the  Holy  See  be  given 
representation  at  the  Peace  Conference.  These  facts  and 
many  others  of  common  knowledge  became  known 
abroad.  From  no  source  did  a more  sympathetic  and 
congratulatory  recognition  come  than  from  the  great 
heart  of  Benedict  XV  himself,  who  wrote  the  following 
letter,  which  was  published  in  The  Pilot  of  March  15, 
1919. 


To  Our  Beloved  Son 
William 

Of  the  Title  of  St.  Clement, 

Cardinal  Priest  of  Holy  Roman  Church 
Archbishop  of  Boston 
Health  and  Benediction. 

We  have  received  your  letter  so  truly  gratifying  both 
for  its  expression  of  filial  love  and  devotion  and  for  the 
encouragement  it  has  given  Us. 

You  have  truly  measured  the  extent  of  Our  joy  at  the 
signing  of  the  Armistice  and  the  conclusion  of  hostilities. 
We  rejoice,  indeed,  as  is  fitting  over  this  event  for  which 
We  have  ceaselessly  worked  and  prayerfully  yearned. 
But  the  cup  of  Our  happiness  will  be  filled  only  when,  as 
We  confidently  hope,  the  envoys  of  the  nations  in  con- 
ference assembled  conclude  a peace  which  will  satisfy 
the  ends  of  justice  and  charity,  and,  in  consequence,  will 
protect  the  highest  interests  of  all.  Such  is  the  only 
peace  which  will  be  lasting  and  will  bring  to  mankind 
enduring  prosperity. 


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We  extend  to  you  Our  heartfelt  thanks  for  your  con- 
stant and  energetic  service,  and,  in  turn,  beseech  Al- 
mighty God  to  bless  you  with  prosperity. 

In  testimony  of  Our  sincere  benevolence.  We  lovingly 
impart  to  you,  beloved  Son,  to  all  your  devoted  clergy  and 
to  your  spiritual  flock,  the  Apostolic  Benediction. 

Given  at  Rome  in  the  Church  of  St.  Peter,  on  the  27th 
day  of  January  in  the  year  of  Our  Lord  1919,  and  of 
Our  Pontificate,  the  Fifth. 

Benedict,  P.P.,  XV. 

After  the  Great  War  the  aspirations  of  small  nations 
for  freedom  were  widely  discussed.  No  one  conversant 
with  those  discussions  will  ever  forget  the  greatest  plea 
of  this  century  for  justice  to  Ireland,  uttered  in  Madison 
Square  Garden,  New  York,  on  December  10,  1918,  by 
the  Cardinal  Archbishop  of  Boston.  The  Pilot  pub- 
lished this  eloquent  appeal  in  its  current  issue.  It  was 
broadcasted  throughout  this  country,  and  all  over  Europe. 
The  Pilot  followed  this  inspiring  utterance  with  news  and 
editorial  comment.  It  showed  the  logic  of  Ireland’s  claim 
for  self-determination,  and  opened  its  columns  freely  to 
a full  discussion  of  the  Irish  Cause.  Many  notable 
articles  were  published  in  its  pages  enlightening  the  pub- 
lic mind,  and  awakening  the  public  conscience  to  the 
justice  of  Ireland’s  cause. 

The  Pilot’s  championship  of  that  cause  did  not  stop 
here.  By  episcopal  direction  it  solicited  contributions  to 
aid  the  needy  of  Ireland  in  the  critical  period  following 
the  signing  of  the  Armistice.  For  many  months,  this 
humanitarian  work  was  carried  on,  with  the  result  that 

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many  thousands  of  dollars  were  sent  from  the  Diocese 
to  alleviate  suffering  in  Ireland. 

An  inspiring  letter,  dated  April  16,  1921,  was  pub- 
lished in  The  Pilot  on  April  23,  1921,  and  brought  new 
hope  and  added  encouragement  to  Ireland’s  stricken 
people.  In  that  letter,  addressed  to  the  Massachusetts 
Committee  for  Relief  in  Ireland,  His  Eminence  said: 

“I  have  been  following  with  interest  the  campaign  for 
funds  under  the  direction  of  the  American  Committee 
for  Relief  in  Ireland,  and  it  is  most  gratifying  to  find 
that  the  campaign  is  meeting  with  a well  merited  success. 

“From  time  to  time,  I have  learned  with  great  pleasure 
that  the  parishes  of  this  Archdiocese  have  interested 
themselves  in  this  charitable  movement,  and  I am  sure 
they  are  only  too  glad  to  give  whole-hearted  cooperation. 

“The  recent  statistics  given  out  by  the  Committee 
speak  for  themselves,  and  will,  I am  sure,  appeal  to  all 
who  wish  to  alleviate  the  distress  and  sufferings  of  the 
unfortunate  women  and  children  of  Ireland.” 

This  letter,  copied  by  the  Press  of  the  nation,  ensured 
the  success  of  the  movement.  For  between  January  and 
August  of  that  year  over  $1,000,000  was  sent  to  Ireland. 

This  was  not  all.  The  Holy  Father,  viewing  the  la- 
mentable condition  of  impoverished  Russia,  appealed  for 
her  starving  people,  who  were  dying  literally  by  the 
millions.  In  answer  to  the  Pope’s  appeal.  The  Pilot  again 
opened  its  columns  to  exhort  Catholics  to  save  these 
stricken  people.  For  months  The  Pilot  received  and 
acknowledged  contributions  for  Russian  Relief. 

The  assistance  rendered  to  Ireland  and  Russia,  was 
quickly  followed  by  another  campaign  to  relieve  the 
starving  women  and  children  of  Austria. 

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Under  date  of  November  12,  1921,  the  following  letter 
was  received  by  The  Pilot: 

To  the  Editor  of  The  Pilot, 

Boston,  Massachusetts. 

Dear  Editor:— 

I wish  you  to  reproduce  in  the  next  issue  of  The  Pilot 
the  following  letter  which  has  been  received  from  His 
Eminence,  Cardinal  Piffl,  Archbishop  of  Vienna,  thank- 
ing America  for  the  assistance  given  to  suffering  Austria, 
and  renewing  his  appeal  in  behalf  of  his  destitute  people. 

Already,  contributions  to  the  amount  of  $48,000  have 
been  sent  to  the  Holy  Father  from  this  Archdiocese  to 
help  alleviate  the  sufferings  of  the  peoples  of  Central 
Europe— a remarkable  manifestation  of  the  generosity 
of  our  good  people,  of  which  we  may  be  justly  proud. 
But  the  sad  conditions  that  now  prevail  in  Austria  are 
just  as  bad,  if  not  worse,  than  they  have  been  during  the 
past  few  years. 

I heartily  recommend,  therefore,  to  the  faithful  of  this 
Archdiocese  the  appeal  of  His  Eminence,  the  Cardinal 
Archbishop  of  Vienna,  which  I trust  will  meet  with  as 
generous  response,  as  have  the  many  appeals  to  which 
they  have  contributed  in  the  past. 

Those  who  wish  to  contribute  to  this  most  worthy 
purpose  may  send  their  donations  to  The  Pilot,  in  which 
due  acknowledgment  will  be  made. 

William  Cardinal  O^Connell. 

The  campaign  for  funds  for  Austria  was  thus  opened 
through  The  Pilot,  and  the  needy  people  of  Austria  were 
greatly  assisted  by  the  generous  donations  of  the  faith- 
ful of  the  Diocese.  [ 253  ] 


THE  DIOCESAN  PRESS 


In  the  issue  of  December  2,  1922,  The  Pilot  carried 
the  letter  of  His  Eminence,  Cardinal  Bertram,  Prince 
Bishop  of  Breslau,  in  which  he  extended,  through  His 
Eminence,  the  Cardinal  Archbishop  of  Boston,  to  the 
American  Bishops,  the  gratitude  of  the  German  Episco- 
pate for  the  timely  aid  of  America  in  sending  funds 
when  they  were  sadly  needed. 

The  above  are  but  a few  of  the  movements  espoused 
by  The  Pilot  which  prove  its  worth  and  show  the  extent 
of  its  influence  internationally,  from  a civic  and  patriotic 
point  of  view. 

The  Pilot  A Patriotic  and  Civic 
Influence  Nationally 

When  the  United  States  entered  the  World  War  in 
April,  1917,  every  agency  that  could  aid  the  nation  in 
any  way  was  requisitioned  into  immediate  service.  The 
Archdiocese  of  Boston  was  well  equipped  to  lend  strong 
assistance.  Every  branch  of  the  Archdiocesan  system 
was  eager  and  ready  to  do  its  patriotic  duty.  The  Pilot, 
as  the  publicity  agency,  was  directed  to  serve  the  ends 
of  just  government,  to  instil  patriotism  and  forward 
every  movement,  looking  to  the  winning  of  the  war. 

The  rallying  cry  was  given  at  the  Cathedral  during 
Holy  Week: 

“Our  country  is  at  war,”  said  His  Eminence.  “Oiir 
nation,  therefore,  needs  us  all,  every  man,  woman  and 
child  of  us,  to  strengthen  her,  to  hearten  her,  and  to 
stand  faithfully  by  her,  until  her  hour  of  trial  has  passed, 
and  her  hour  of  glorious  triumph  shall  arrive.”  . . . 

“We  are  of  all  races;  today  we  are  one— Americans. 

[ 254  ] 


THE  DIOCESAN  PRESS 


Whatever  we  can  do  in  honor  and  justice,  that  we  must 
in  conscience  do  to  defeat  our  enemies  and  make  our 
flag  triumphant.  . . . Let  us  hasten  now  to  act.  We 
have  spoken  enough.  May  God  preserve  and  bless 
America.” 

The  effect  was  electric.  The  diocese  was  immediately 
galvanized  into  action.  St.  Elizabeth’s  Hospital  was  of- 
fered to  the  Government.  Other  hospitals  of  the  diocese 
quickly  followed  suit.  Their  facilities  were  given  over 
for  such  work  as  the  Government  deemed  necessary. 

Through  The  Pilot  emergency  equipment  was  solicited 
and  supplied.  All  this  was  in  keeping  with  the  joint 
letter  of  the  Archbishops  of  the  country,  dated  April  19, 
1917,  pledging  loyalty  and  cooperation,  and  extending 
to  the  President  every  aid  that  the  Church  in  this  coun- 
try could  offer.  This  joint  letter  appeared  in  the  April 
28th  issue  of  The  Pilot,  and  was  a further  stimulus  to 
Catholic  patriotic  action. 

When  financial  assistance  was  needed  to  carry  on  the 
war,  and  Liberty  Loans  were  floated.  The  Pilot  urged 
that  every  Catholic  do  his  utmost  to  ensure  their  success. 
Its  efforts  were  extended  over  the  entire  period  during 
which  this  nation  was  at  war.  It  had  its  strict  orders,  as 
had  every  other  Diocesan  agency.  All  were  fulfilling 
their  high  duty.  It  was  with  this  thought  in  mind  that 
the  Cardinal  Archbishop  uttered  the  following  words  of 
encouragement  in  a statement  issued  by  him  at  the  Fed- 
eral Reserve  Bank  in  October,  1917: 

“The  President  has  called  upon  every  American  to  do 
his  utmost  to  make  the  Liberty  Loan  a success,  and  I 
am  here  (Federal  Reserve  Bank)  in  response  to  that 
appeal. 


[ 255  ] 


THE  DIOCESAN  PRESS 


“I  have  already  done  my  duty  in  the  purchase  of  these 
bonds,  but  it  was  suggested  that,  by  making  known  by 
this  method  my  intense  desire  to  be  of  service  in  this 
national  crisis,  I might  perhaps  help  in  creating  a wider 
interest  in  the  taking  up  of  these  bonds.  ...  It  would 
be  a crime  for  any  of  us  to  be  indifferent  to  the  tre- 
mendous consequences  that  would  result  to  this  country 
in  the  unthinkable  event  of  our  failure  to  do  our  full 
duty  at  this  critical  time. 

“I  am  happy  to  say  that  I have  personal  knowledge 
that  the  Catholics  of  the  country  are  striving  to  perform 
their  full  duty,  and  I have  the  authority  for  this  state- 
ment from  all  the  civil  and  military  authorities  of  the 
land. 

some  of  our  regiments,  nearly  all  the  soldiers  are 
Catholics,  in  others  more  than  half,  and  in  others  still, 
at  least  from  35  per  cent  to  40  per  cent.  . . . 

“We  are  proud  of  what  our  boys  are  doing,  and  on 
our  part  we  must  do  everything  we  possibly  can  to  keep 
them  in  good  condition  morally  and  physically.  This 
loan  will  help  toward  that  end.  ...” 

To  stimulate  patriotism  and  heroism,  the  American 
Cardinals  issued  an  appeal,  entitled  “Fight  and  Pray.” 
This  appeal  appeared  in  The  Pilot  issue  of  July  13, 
1918.  Editorially  The  Pilot  constantly  urged  the  neces- 
sity of  personal  sacrifice  on  the  part  of  those  at  home 
in  order  to  increase  the  courage  and  morale  of  the  men 
at  the  front,  while  at  the  same  time  it  was  contributing 
very  substantially  to  the  success  of  the  many  drives 
that  marked  that  period,  for  the  Red  Cross,  the  Knights 
of  Columbus,  etc. 


[ 256  ] 


THE  DIOCESAN  PRESS 


The  Pilot,  by  carrying  out  faithfully  and  loyally  this 
patriotic  program  in  war  as  in  peace,  served  its  country 
well. 

The  mission  of  The  Pilot  is  to  expound  truth  and  ex- 
pose error.  During  the  last  sixteen  years  many  bills  have 
been  brought  before  the  State  and  nation  that  have  been 
condemned,  because  of  their  un-American  spirit.  Such 
were  the  Smith-Towner,  and  later  the  Fess-Capper  Bill 
and  the  so-called  Child  Labor  Amendment.  The  Pilot 
has  dwelt  upon  these  and  similar  bills  that  contradicted 
the  spirit  of  the  Constitution,  and  has  shown  their  in- 
consistencies and  fundamental  weaknesses.  Such  pub- 
licity has  produced  a better  understanding  of  the  pro- 
jected legislation  and  has  resulted  in  a sound  condemna- 
tion of  measures,  that,  if  not  challenged,  would  work  to 
the  detriment  of  the  Church  and  nation. 

Though  one  might  dwell  at  length  on  this  and  other 
phases  of  the  activities  of  The  Pilot,  sufficient  has  been 
said  to  demonstrate  the  service  that  the  Official  Organ 
has  rendered  as  a national  civic  influence. 

The  Pilot  A Patriotic  and  Civic 
Influence  Locally 

What  affects  the  whole,  affects  the  part.  When,  there- 
fore, any  agency  has  in  peace  and  war  served  the  nation, 
it  has  likewise  benefited  every  part  of  the  nation.  Hence, 
The  Pilot,  as  a diocesan  agency,  has  promoted  the  ends 
of  government  locally. 

No  one  can  forget  the  days  of  1918  when  the  influenza 
epidemic  was  taking  its  frightful  toll  of  life.  At  this 
time.  The  Pilot  did  valiant  service  as  a publicity  agency 

[ 257  ] 


THE  DIOCESAN  PRESS 


in  bringing  constantly  the  messages  of  the  medical 
authorities  to  the  people  of  the  Diocese. 

St.  John’s  Seminary  was  offered  as  a hospital  and  over 
100  Sisters  were  recruited  as  nurses  during  that  crisis. 
So  grateful  were  the  public  authorities  for  this  beneficent 
offer  that  the  following  statement  was  given  to  The  Pilot 
and  to  the  daily  Press  of  Boston  by  Hon.  Henry  B.  Endi- 
cott,  Chairman  of  the  Emergency  Public  Health  Com* 
mittee : 

“His  Eminence,  Cardinal  O’Connell,  has  offered  to  turn 
over  to  H.  B.  Endicott,  Chairman  of  the  Emergency 
Public  Health  Committee,  the  entire  property  now  oc- 
cupied as  a Seminary  on  Commonwealth  Avenue,  Brigh- 
ton, with  all  buildings,  land  and  equipment,  having  a 
capacity  for  at  least  1000  patients. 

“This  offer  will  undoubtedly  be  accepted  after  a meet- 
ing on  Monday  of  the  Emergency  Public  Health  Com- 
mittee, and  after  consultation  with  Dr.  Kelley  of  the 
State  Board  of  Health. 

“This  is  in  addition  to  his  offer  of  112  Sisters  for  dis- 
trict nursing,  which  offer  has  been  accepted.  Some  of 
the  Sisters  are  already  at  work. 

“His  Eminence,  realizing  the  seriousness  of  the  situa- 
tion, hurried  back  from  the  funeral  of  Cardinal  Farley, 
anxious  to  do  everything  he  could  for  the  people  of 
Massachusetts  at  this  time  of  their  great  need,  and  he 
has  applied  himself  since  his  return  to  the  great  work  to 
the  exclusion  of  ever)rthing  else.” 


[2581 


THE  DIOCESAN  PRESS 


Later,  the  following  letter  was  written  by  Mr.  Endicott 
and  carried  by  The  Pilot  in  its  issue  of  October  12 , 1918 : 
His  Eminence, 

William  Cardinal  O’Connell, 

Boston,  Mass. 

Your  Eminence:— 

Since  your  splendid  offer  of  St.  John’s  Seminary,  we 
have  considered  very  carefully  just  how  it  could  be 
utilized,  so  that  the  greatest  good  would  come  to  the 
greatest  number.  After  taking  up  the  matter  ...  we 
have  concluded  that  there  is  the  greatest  need  for  some 
place  where  those  convalescing  from  this  terrible  in- 
fluenza might  be  taken  and  cared  for. 

Now,  if  a place  had  been  built  to  order,  it  could  not 
possibly  have  been  better  for  the  purpose  above  men- 
tioned than  St.  John’s  Seminary.  ...  We  know  your 
noble  offer  will  save  many  lives,  because  the  great  dan- 
ger of  this  epidemic  is  that  patients  will  try  to  get  out 
too  soon  and  this  means  weaker  men  and  women  in  the 
future.  We  can  care  for  a great  number  of  patients, 
thanks  to  the  generosity  of  Your  Eminence,  and  I am 
sure  it  is  a great  satisfaction  to  you  to  know  that  this  ac- 
tion on  your  part  insures  the  people  of  Massachusetts  that 
they  will  have  a great  number  of  healthy,  vigorous  men 
who  otherwise  might  have  been  weaklings  all  their  lives. 

It  is  hard  for  me  to  express  my  appreciation  in  words ; 
but  I thank  you  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart,  and  I am 
only  echoing  the  sentiment  of  the  other  members  of  the 
Emergency  Public  Health  Committee. 

Yours  very  truly, 

Henry  B.  Endicott. 


[ 259] 


THE  DIOCESAN  PRESS 


The  position  of  The  Pilot  in  the  civic  life  of  the  com- 
munity is  very  definitely  established.  It  has  served  every 
honorable  purpose  expected  of  the  Official  Organ  of  a 
great  Archdiocese.  It  has  strengthened  society  by  pro- 
moting good  citizenship,  and  by  exposing  measures  cal- 
culated to  weaken  civic  allegiance,  and  has,  therefore, 
been  a local  civic  influence  for  good. 

By  promoting  faithfully  the  sacred  influences  of  the 
Faith  and  serving  the  ends  of  just  government  in  the 
manner  we  have  indicated.  The  Pilot  has  accomplished 
successfully  its  mission  in  the  religious  and  civic  fields. 

The  Material  Growth  of  The  Pilot 

The  Pilot,  as  Official  Organ  of  the  Archdiocese  of 
Boston,  has  had  a most  successful  career.  When  taken 
over  as  the  Official  Organ,  it  was  an  eight  page,  seven 
column,  newspaper.  During  the  years  1908-1923  it  has 
increased  both  its  pages  and  its  columns.  Not  infre- 
quently it  carries  twenty-four  pages.  It  has  grown  from 
a small  seven  column  paper  to  the  standard  eight  column 
paper  universally  adopted  throughout  the  country. 

Its  circulation  has  also  shown  a consistent  and  healthy 
growth.  Through  the  constant  encouragement  of  the 
Cardinal  Archbishop  and  with  the  cooperation  of  his  de- 
voted priests  and  people,  who  have  worked  in  a fine 
bond  of  unity  with  him.  The  Pilot  now  enters  50,000 
homes  weekly. 

This  fact  has  been  responsible  for  a full  and  gracious 
appreciation  of  the  value  of  The  Pilot  on  the  part  of  the 
merchants  of  Boston.  During  the  past  several  years  The 
Pilot  has  carried  weekly  the  advertisements  of  every 

[ 260  ] 


THE  DIOCESAN  PRESS 


representative  business  house  of  Boston.  This  in  itself 
is  a great  tribute  to  its  drawing  power  as  an  advertising 
medium  as  well  as  to  its  intrinsic  value  as  a home  paper, 
carrying  news  of  the  Catholic  world,  supplemented  by 
strong  editorial  expression,  and  timely  comment  on  press- 
ing problems  of  the  day.  Besides  local  firms,  national 
advertisers  are  using  The  Pilot  more  and  more  each  year. 

In  October,  1923,  the  Cardinal  Archbishop  felt  that 
The  Pilot  should  have  its  own  plant,  fully  equipped. 
Therefore,  His  Eminence  purchased  the  new  and  up-to- 
date  presses  and  machinery  of  the  Record  Publishing 
Company.  The  Pilot  today  has  a fully  equipped,  modern 
printing  plant,  complete  in  every  detail,  located  in  the 
heart  of  the  Boston  newspaper  district. 

During  the  past  few  years  the  scope  of  The  Pilot  has 
been  broadened  to  include  the  publishing  business.  The 
Pilot,  in  this  latter  capacity,  has  made  sales  of  25,000 
copies  of  the  Passion  of  Our  Lord,  written  by  His  Emi- 
nence, Cardinal  De  Lai,  and  translated  by  His  Eminence, 
Cardinal  O’Connell.  Already  5,000  more  copies  are  in  the 
presses  for  future  delivery.  The  Pilot  has,  likewise,  dis- 
tributed many  hundreds  of  the  complete  sets  of  the 
Sermons  and  Addresses  of  Cardinal  O’Connell.  During 
the  past  year,  it  has  successfully  published  many  other 
books. 

The  standing  of  a journal  in  a community  is  measured, 
not  only  by  the  number  of  its  subscribers,  and  the  space 
taken  by  merchants  for  advertising  purposes,  but,  to  a 
degree,  by  the  opinion  of  its  fellow-publishers,  and  the 
esteem  in  which  it  is  held.  The  Pilot  enjoys  happy  and 
cordial  relations  with  every  newspaper  and  publisher  in 

[261] 


THE  DIOCESAN  PRESS 


Boston,  and  is  quoted  copiously  by  every  paper.  All 
see  in  it  the  agency  of  a Prince  of  the  Church,  of  a 
great  zealous  priesthood,  and  a Catholic  population  of 
proved  loyalty  and  generosity. 

Pope's  Brief  on  The  Pilot 

The  history  of  The  Pilot  would  be  incomplete  without 
mention  of  the  Papal  Brief  issued  by  the  saintly  Pius  X. 
In  loving  tribute  to  his  holy  memory,  therefore,  we  con- 
clude this  sketch  of  The  Pilot,  as  the  Official  Organ  of 
the  Archdiocese  of  Boston,  with  his  memorable  words : 

To  Our  Venerable  Brother 
William,  Archbishop  of  Boston, 

Pius  X,  Pope. 

Venerable  Brother,  Health  and  Apostolic  Benediction: 

The  daily  and  periodical  press,  which  today  has  taken 
on  so  great  a development  in  consequence  of  the  uni- 
versally extended  desire  to  know  everything,  and  to  judge 
everything,  is  a most  efficacious  instrument  of  good  as 
well  as  of  evil ; and,  therefore,  no  one  who  takes  interest 
in  the  welfare  of  society  can  neglect  it. 

In  fact,  while  the  wicked  abuse  this  double-edged  arm 
to  open  the  way  among  the  people  for  errors  and  corrupt- 
ing ideas,  it  is  proper,  nay,  it  is  necessary,  that  the  good 
avail  themselves  of  it  for  the  defence  of  the  truth  and 
for  the  safeguarding  of  Christian  customs  and  civil  in- 
stitutions. 

It  is,  then,  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  a Bishop  of 
such  ability,  alertness  and  zeal,  as  you  are,  fulfils,  in  more 
than  abundant  measure,  this  duty. 

[ 262  ] 


THE  DIOCESAN  PRESS 


Moreover,  we  learn  with  pleasure  how  much  you  are 
doing  to  maintain  the  weekly  paper,  The  Pilot,  the  oldest 
of  the  American  journals  of  this  character.  For  you 
spare  neither  expense  nor  labor  to  make  it  perfect  of  its 
kind,  so  that  you  may  have  an  organ  by  which  you  may 
not  only  communicate  to  your  diocesans  the  orders  pro- 
ceeding from  your  authority,  but  also  and  particularly, 
expound,  and,  according  to  the  circumstances,  defend,  in 
the  face  of  the  great  public,  the  Catholic  doctrine. 

We  therefore,  with  all  Our  heart  give  you  the  praise 
which  you  deserve  for  your  energetic  work. 

In  addition.  We  exhort,  not  indeed  you  to  be  willing 
to  continue  the  great  work— for  your  zeal  has  no  need 
of  stimulus— but  every  Catholic,  each  and  all,  as  many 
as  there  may  be  in  your  region,  that  they  may  have  the 
will,  each  one  according  to  his  measure,  to  help  in  the 
support  and  circulation  of  said  paper. 

In  this  way,  they  will  do  something  most  pleasing  to 
Us,  most  useful  for  religion  and  their  own  country,  and 
meritorious  in  itself  for  heavenly  favors,  of  which  may  a 
pledge  be  the  Apostolic  Benediction,  which  to  you.  Ven- 
erable Brother,  and  to  them  we  impart  with  special 
affection. 

Given  at  Rome,  from  St.  Peter’s,  the  seventeenth  day 
of  April,  1909,  in  the  sixth  year  of  Our  Pontificate. 

Pius,  PP.,  X. 


[ 263  ] 


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